A new petition before the High Court has expressed concern over the safety of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, whose official security was reportedly withdrawn without warning-an action the petitioner claims places both leaders at risk and undermines constitutional governance.
The suit, filed by the Centre for Litigation Trust, contends that the sudden withdrawal of security details left the two most senior county officials exposed, notwithstanding the sensitive nature of their duties and the high-profile public engagements that come with such positions.
According to court filings, the withdrawal came without prior explanation, criminal charges, or even notice of investigations circumstances which, the petitioner said, made it look “retaliatory” because of political motivations. The petition alleges that the action was meant to intimidate the leaders into aligning with certain political positions.
The court papers read in part: “The acts of the respondents are whimsical and calculated to bully and intimidate the 1st and 2nd interested parties.
The Trust said it was not right, as Governors and Senators in every part of the country have been enjoying state-provided security as prescribed by law, yet Governor Natembeya and Senator Khalwale have been “singled out,” raising questions of fairness and consistency within the National Police Service.
Apart from personal safety, the petitioner warned that the decision-if allowed to stand-set a dangerous precedent that erodes public trust in state institutions. They told the court that such unchecked actions risk weakening constitutional democracy as elected leaders may feel coerced or unsafe while performing their duties.
By citing Articles 2, 3, and 10 of the Constitution, the petition insists that all state officers, right from the President, have an obligation to protect and uphold constitutional rights. The withdrawal of security violated these obligations, it argued, and compromised the ability of the leaders to serve their constituents effectively.
The Centre for Litigation Trust now seeks a declaration that the withdrawal was unconstitutional, alongside an order compelling the immediate reinstatement of security for both leaders.
As the matter heads to court, it has driven debate across the political divide, with allies expressing apprehension that the country must ensure one thing: disagreement or dissent mustn’t come at the cost of personal safety or democratic integrity.
