Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has criticised the Interior Ministry, accusing it of misusing its powers for political purposes in a manner he says is undermining national security.
Speaking in Trans Nzoia over the weekend, Natembeya took issue with Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, alleging that he has overstepped his mandate by directly issuing operational instructions to police officers – roles constitutionally reserved for the Inspector General of Police.
According to #Natembeya, the CS has been bypassing established legal procedures by instructing police commanders across the country to arrest opposition figures for political reasons. He argued that the law requires any such directive to be formally communicated in writing to the Inspector General, who would then relay instructions through the proper chain of command.
“Here in Trans Nzoia, my people have been arrested through direct commands from CS Murkomen. The law is clear on the process, and what we are seeing today goes against it,” Natembeya stated.
The governor further described the situation as a continuation of authoritarian practices, warning that such actions risk eroding public trust in security institutions.
He pledged to continue defending residents against what he termed as targeted actions by the administration of President William Ruto, which he claimed disproportionately affects those with dissenting views.