Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has alleged that his official security detail was abruptly withdrawn just hours before the Malava by-elections scheduled for Thursday. In a video shared on his social media platforms, Khalwale linked the withdrawal to his public decision to support an Opposition candidate in the tightly contested race.
The Senator, who also serves as the Senate Majority Whip, maintained a calm tone despite the development. He reassured Malava residents that the electoral process would proceed peacefully, expressing confidence that voters would not be intimidated.
“Our citizens are ready to exercise their democratic rights without fear. Even though my security detail was unexpectedly withdrawn, I believe Malava will come through with a strong victory,” he said.
Khalwale urged state agencies overseeing the polls to ensure transparency and fairness. He stressed that elections naturally produce winners and losers, cautioning authorities against what he termed “desperate measures.”
The Senator further claimed that Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya had also been affected by similar security changes.
“I have been given six police officers as per my office. Where are they? What are you planning to do?” Khalwale posed, adding that leaders were not violent but would resist intimidation, especially in front of their families.
He also cautioned young people allegedly ferried into Kakamega for political activities, warning that they may unknowingly endanger themselves.
However, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen dismissed the claims of political targeting. Speaking during a briefing in Kasipul, Murkomen confirmed that the security details of several VIPs, including Governor Natembeya, had been withdrawn temporarily following a National Police Service (NPS) report.
According to Murkomen, the decision was based on concerns about the conduct of some officers attached to VIPs.
“If a police officer assigned to a VIP is walking around with goons, the best thing is to remove them,” he said, emphasizing that security adjustments were meant to prevent crises rather than instigate tension.
With heightened scrutiny around election security, Murkomen assured citizens that the government aimed to maintain a peaceful voting environment, free from intimidation.
