Natembeya Accuses Ruto of Holding Parliament and Security Agencies ‘Hostage’

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has accused President William Ruto of controlling Parliament and the country’s security agencies, alleging that the Senate, the National Assembly, the police and the military have been “taken hostage.”

Natembeya made the remarks during an interview with a local radio station on Monday. He argued that the Senate’s constitutional role is to protect county governments and that its capture by the Executive undermines devolution.

The governor also alleged that police were deployed to stop him from visiting Kitale Market, where a dispute over stall allocation has been simmering. He claimed the President is interfering in the allocation of stalls at the market.

His comments came three days after Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka said he had received information that police were considering arresting Natembeya and other leaders linked to the United Alternative Government. Kalonzo warned against any attempt to arrest or harass the governor, adding that Natembeya would receive legal protection.

The political tension in Trans Nzoia follows clashes between rival supporters in Kitale on October 16. The National Police Service reported that two officers were injured and two government vehicles were damaged during the confrontations.

Separately, on October 15, Natembeya demanded a written explanation from Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja over the withdrawal of his security detail for a second time. The governor cited Article 47 of the Constitution and sought the reasons for the decision.

The claims by Natembeya that Ruto controls Parliament and security agencies remain allegations, not established facts. Kalonzo’s assertion that police planned to arrest the governor is also unverified and was attributed to information he said he had received. The radio station that interviewed Natembeya was not named in the report.

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