Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has alleged that the government has abruptly withdrawn his security detail, a move he says is politically motivated. Speaking to the press in Kakamega town, Khalwale stated that all six of his bodyguards were recalled without prior notice.
The senator’s claims come just hours after Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya also reported the withdrawal of his security. Khalwale accused the government of attempting to intimidate opposition figures ahead of Thursday’s by-elections, describing the move as part of a broader pattern of political pressure.
The security shake-up follows recent incidents of violence in the region. On Saturday, November 22, armed attackers ambushed Governor Natembeya in Chwele Ward, Kabuchai, Bungoma County. The same group is reported to have targeted the residence of Kabuchai Member of Parliament Majimbo Kalasinga.
Widely circulated videos and photographs showed significant damage to Natembeya’s vehicles, with the governor alleging he was shot at multiple times as the attackers disrupted the rally. He went on to link the violence to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, his long-standing political rival.
The government has yet to issue a formal response to the claims or clarify the reason behind the withdrawal of security from the two leaders.
