Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has come out to criticise Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen for justifying the withdrawal of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya’s security.

While speaking during a presser at the SKM Command Centre in Nairobi on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, Kalonzo said the explanation by Kipchumba Murkomen on the withdrawal of security belonging to United Opposition leaders who have been very active in the by-election campaigns, opposing the candidates being fronted by the state, does not hold water.

Murkomen had earlier stated that they withdrew security belonging to these leaders for them to be able to carry out a thorough investigation and as a precautionary measure. Kalonzo has dismissed this narrative as neither here nor there.

Also watch: Natembeya confirms sudden withdrawal of his security team

“Why would Murkomen want to issue a statement saying that they have withdrawn security of leaders at this time ati wanachunguza? Sasa wanachunguza, what is pretty obvious?” Kalonzo said.

Murkomen’s explanation

After the withdrawal of security detail belonging to George Natembeya and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, Murkomen came out to state that they did so as a precautionary measure since, according to him, they suspected that some of the officers were involved in criminal activities.

“NPS has reports that officers attached to them are involved in criminal activities. Some have chosen to keep quiet and not to share. Others have decided to go public,” he added.

He additionally attributed the development to protecting the said officers.

“It is not an individual; it has happened across the divide. In any case, the campaign period came to an end. They will not be engaged in any activities up to and after the voting date. We want to ensure nobody is shot while claiming to protect his boss,” he added.

Also watch: Khalwale says his security has been withdrawn

Many leaders have come out to condemn this move by the state, which saw both Natembeya and Khalwale, who have been actively campaigning for Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) candidate Seth Panyako, each lose six police officers attached to them.

Condemnation by Arati

Kisii Governor Simba Arati, despite being in the broad-based government and a state ally, has come out to condemn this act, as he called for the immediate reinstatement of the security detail belonging to these officials, saying that no public servant, regardless of their political affiliation, should be denied his or her security since it is their constitutional privilege.

This comes on the eve of by-elections which are set to take place in several parts of the country in 22 centres.