IG Kanja and CS Murkomen Sued Over Withdrawal of Natembeya, Khalwale Security

Kenya’s Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen are facing a court challenge over the withdrawal of security officers assigned to Governor George Natembeya and Senator Bonny Khalwale.

The petition, filed at the Milimani High Court by the Centre for Litigation Trust, argues that the withdrawal was unlawful, discriminatory, and politically driven. Natembeya and Khalwale, both vocal government critics, lost their security details last week as campaigns intensified ahead of by-elections in Kakamega and Trans-Nzoia. 

The decision coincided with violent incidents in Malava constituency, where vehicles were set on fire during tense political confrontations. According to the organisation, the withdrawal exposes the two leaders to unnecessary danger and undermines their rights as state officers. 

It states that Kenya’s VIP protection policy allows the removal of security only in specific circumstances, such as criminal conviction, breach of peace, or relocation, none of which apply to the governor or the senator. In an affidavit, Executive Director Julius Ogogoh described the move as retaliatory and intended to intimidate the leaders because of their political positions.

The petition further accuses the police and the Interior Ministry of failing to meet constitutional requirements by not providing reasons for the withdrawal. It cites alleged violations of Articles 10, 27, 47, and 260 of the Constitution, which set out national values, equality, fair administrative action, and protections for state officers. 

The organisation argues that removing security from only two leaders, while their counterparts continue to receive protection, amounts to political discrimination and discourages dissent. Natembeya and Khalwale, named as interested parties, have previously accused the government of using state agencies to suppress opposition. 

Their party, DAP–K, has indicated plans to challenge the result of the Malava parliamentary by-election, adding to ongoing political tensions. The Attorney-General is also listed as a respondent, with the petition claiming that the office failed to uphold constitutional oversight.