Natembeya has called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to explain why his security was withdrawn for the second time, insisting that the decision must comply with the Constitution and the rule of law.
The governor’s latest statement comes days after he publicly challenged Ruto over plans to officially open Masinde Muliro Market, arguing that the facility was completed by the county government with support from the World Bank.
The disagreement has escalated into a public dispute over who should take credit for the project, with Natembeya accusing the national government of interfering with devolved functions.
However, the governor has not established a direct link between the market dispute and the withdrawal of his security.
Natembeya Demands Answers After Second Security Withdrawal
In a strongly worded statement, Natembeya questioned the legality of withdrawing his security without a formal explanation, arguing that public authorities must follow constitutional procedures when making decisions affecting individuals' rights.
“I wish to remind the relevant authorities that the exercise of public power in Kenya is governed by the Constitution and the rule of law,” Natembeya said.
The governor expressed particular concern that the withdrawal had happened for the second time and demanded answers from the police leadership.
“I am particularly concerned that this is happening for the second time,” he said.
“I therefore call upon the Inspector-General of the National Police Service to provide a formal explanation of the reasons for this decision and to clarify whether the applicable security procedures have been followed.”
Natembeya cited Article 47(1) and (2) of the Constitution, which guarantees every person administrative action that is lawful, reasonable and procedurally fair.
“Any decision affecting my security must therefore comply with the applicable constitutional and legal requirements,” he said.
He also invoked Article 238(2)(b), which requires national security to be pursued in accordance with the law, and Article 244, which sets out the constitutional obligations of the National Police Service.
The governor insisted that his position was not a demand for special treatment but a call for accountability and adherence to the law.
What Sparked the Natembeya-Ruto Showdown?
The latest dispute follows a public confrontation over Masinde Muliro Market in Kitale, a major trading facility that has become the centre of a disagreement between the national government and the Trans Nzoia County administration.
Ruto was scheduled to officially open the market on Friday, October 16, 2026. However, Natembeya objected to the planned ceremony, maintaining that the county government had completed the project using its own resources and support from the World Bank.
The governor argued that the President should not take credit for a project undertaken under the county government's mandate.
Speaking during a public gathering, Natembeya declared that his administration had financed the project.
“Mimi nimejenga sokoni, nimemaliza pesa ya county na pesa ya World Bank. Hakuna hata ndururu ya Ruto hapo,” Natembeya said, claiming that the President had not contributed funds towards the market's construction.
In another pointed remark, the governor challenged Ruto to concentrate on projects funded by the national government rather than seeking to launch county projects.
“If he wants to launch a project, let him come, build the project and open it. But coming to open mine, no,” Natembeya said in remarks reported by People Daily.
Natembeya subsequently threatened to seek court orders to stop the President from opening the facility, further escalating the dispute.
The county administration had also moved to allocate market stalls to traders ahead of the planned presidential ceremony, intensifying the disagreement over the facility's management and official opening.
Ruto and Natembeya Exchange Accusations Over Development
The market dispute forms part of a broader political disagreement between Ruto and Natembeya over development projects and the role of the national government in Trans Nzoia.
During his October 10 visit to the county, Ruto criticised Natembeya's TAWE political movement, accusing the governor of opposing government initiatives instead of prioritising development.
The President cited projects involving roads, healthcare facilities and other infrastructure, arguing that political differences should not stand in the way of service delivery.
Natembeya rejected the accusations, arguing that the Constitution clearly separates the responsibilities of the national government from those of county administrations.
The governor has maintained that county-funded projects should be recognised as such and that national leaders should respect devolution.
The disagreement over Masinde Muliro Market has consequently become a public test of the relationship between the two levels of government, with both sides facing questions about project financing, implementation and political credit.
Natembeya Invokes High Court Ruling on Security
In defending his demand for an explanation, Natembeya referred to a High Court ruling reported on June 3, 2025, concerning the withdrawal of security assigned to five governors.
According to the governor, the court found that withdrawing security without prior written notice, an opportunity to be heard and written reasons violated Article 47 of the Constitution.
“I also draw attention to the High Court ruling reported on 3 June 2025 concerning the withdrawal of security assigned to five governors,” Natembeya said.
“In that case, the Court held that withdrawing security without prior written notice, an opportunity to be heard and written reasons violated Article 47 of the Constitution.”
He urged the relevant authorities to consider the ruling when determining his security arrangements.
“The relevant authorities should take due account of that judicial pronouncement and the applicable law,” he added.
The governor also made it clear that he did not oppose lawful security reviews, provided they were conducted fairly and professionally.
“Let me be clear: I do not claim immunity from lawful security reviews,” Natembeya said.
“What I insist upon is that any such review must be conducted professionally, objectively and in accordance with the Constitution, without discrimination or improper political influence.”
The precise application of the cited judgment to Natembeya's circumstances would depend on the court's findings and the facts surrounding the latest withdrawal.
Governor Vows Not to Be Distracted
Despite the dispute over his security and the market, Natembeya said he remained committed to serving the people of Trans Nzoia.
“As an elected Governor, I remain committed to discharging my constitutional responsibilities to the people of Trans Nzoia,” he said.
“I will not be distracted from serving the public, defending constitutionalism or upholding the rule of law.”
He called on the authorities to explain the reasons for the repeated withdrawal and ensure that appropriate security arrangements remained in place.
“I accordingly call upon the relevant authorities to clarify this matter, provide the reasons for the repeated withdrawal and ensure that appropriate security arrangements are maintained in accordance with the law,” he said.
The governor concluded with a warning that constitutional safeguards apply to every public institution.
“The Constitution is binding on every public institution. No exercise of public power is above the law, and no Kenyan should be denied procedural fairness,” Natembeya said.
Will Police Explain Natembeya’s Security Withdrawal?
The central question is whether the National Police Service will provide a formal explanation for the repeated withdrawal of the governor's security.
The timing has drawn attention because the dispute comes amid Natembeya's public confrontation with Ruto over the Kitale market. However, no evidence in the governor's statement establishes that the security decision was made because of the market dispute.
The police have not provided a response to the demands in the statement presented by the governor.
For now, the dispute raises two separate questions: whether Natembeya's security was withdrawn in accordance with the law, and how responsibility for the Masinde Muliro Market should be recognised between the county and national governments.
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