Security detail attached to Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has been withdrawn.
The administrator told the Nation that security officers manning his homes were recalled on Wednesday morning in what he termed 'a scheme to silence him' over his stand against the government.
He blamed President William Ruto for the removal of the security team, noting that it was a calculated scheme to frustrate and intimidate him following spirited campaigns ahead of Thursday's by-election, where his party, DAP-K, has fielded candidates.
"I personally blame the President for this because this is a decision made at a very high level, and I know it's a plan to intimidate me. I know where it is possible even the vehicles I use could have been taken away,” Natembeya told the Nation on Wednesday morning.
He regretted that the government was using unconstitutional means to silence critics and muzzle dissenting voices against the Kenya Kwanza regime.
“Security to me is not a favour, it's a constitutional privilege to me as an elected leader; it's unfortunate, but I will not fear nor accept this intimidation to disrupt my push for unity of the people of Western Kenya and asking questions regarding governance of this country,” he added.
He claimed the government has been using several means to intimidate him, including summons by the Senate, and fixing charges against him in the Anti-Corruption Court.
“I have not received any explanation to this effect, and I find it very irresponsible of the government to take away my security,” said the Governor.
The administrator has been in run-ins with the government for a long while. In May, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) officers raided his house in Kitale in search of evidence against him in a case where he was accused of several corruption charges.
The Governor has been accused by Kenya Kwanza leaders of using his Tawe movement to champion tribal and region-based politics.
