A public-interest lobby has moved to the High Court seeking urgent orders to reinstate the security details of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale, claiming the State acted unlawfully and in bad faith when it withdrew their protection.
In the new petition, the Center for Litigation Trust says the two leaders were stripped of their security without notice, reasons, or any form of administrative communication an action the lobby describes as abrupt, unjustifiable and dangerous. The filing states that the withdrawal has exposed both officeholders to unnecessary risks, given the nature of their constitutional responsibilities and the public engagements they conduct daily.
According to the petition, the withdrawal appears to be “a retaliatory and intimidatory act” designed to pressure the Governor and Senator into aligning their political positions with those of the national executive. It argues that the move violates the principles of good governance, fairness and national values embedded in Articles 2, 3, 10 and 47 of the Constitution.
Court filings indicate that all other Governors and Senators continue to enjoy State-provided protection through the National Police Service, making the treatment of Natembeya and Khalwale an unlawful and discriminatory deviation from established practice. The petitioner notes that neither leader has been accused of wrongdoing, summoned for questioning, nor linked to any conduct that would justify the withdrawal of their VIP protection.
The petition describes the actions of the Inspector General of Police and the Interior Ministry as whimsical and an abuse of power, warning that unchecked executive interference may damage public confidence and weaken constitutional democracy. It adds that state organs are bound to defend and uphold the Constitution not weaponize security apparatus against elected officials.
The lobby argues that the two leaders cannot effectively discharge their duties without security, especially given the sensitivity of their offices and the public exposure inherent in their roles.
The petitioner is now asking the court to declare the withdrawal unlawful, unconstitutional and null, and to compel the immediate restoration of full security for both leaders pending the hearing and determination of the case.
