Kanini Kega: My security has been withdrawn
By Mabonga Makhanu, July 20, 2026East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament Kanini Kega has announced that his security detail has been withdrawn, days after the heated Ol Kalou by-election in which he was attacked on several occasions.
In a statement shared on his social media platforms on Monday, July 20, 2026, Kega expressed concern over the withdrawal of his security.
This comes days after the former Kieni MP claimed he came under attack multiple times while campaigning and safeguarding the interests of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) candidate during the closely contested by-election.
Attack
Speaking from what he described as a hideout in Oljororok, Kega then said unknown armed men, whom he identified as police officers, pursued his convoy after he concluded campaign activities in Ol Kalou ahead of the parliamentary by-election.
In a video shared on his Facebook post dated July 13, 2026, the former Kieni MP claimed three vehicles carrying armed officers intercepted his convoy as he travelled towards Nyahururu.
“Kenyans, you can see I’m under attack. I’ve been chased by armed police officers. They pointed guns at me. We were only able to escape,” he said.
Kega said his vehicle was sprayed with bullets during the incident. He displayed what he said was the butt of a gun that broke during the confrontation and a live bullet, saying both had been handed over to the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Kasuku Police Station.
“You wanted to kill me over three vehicles. You have even sprayed my vehicle. I am only alive by the grace of God,” Kanini Kega said.
Withdrawal of security personnel
Several opposition leaders have also come out to decry the withdrawal of their security details. A month ago, Siaya governor James Orengo complained that his security had been withdrawn, and, to date, it has not been reinstated.
In response, the Siaya governor declared that he would resort to lawful self-defence measures to protect himself. He defended the decision, arguing that the law recognises the right to self-defence and that no one should be criminalised for protecting themselves, especially after being left without security.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino also echoed similar sentiments, saying that going forward, they would not be intimidated and would protect themselves from goons and anyone who might be sent to disrupt their political rallies.