High Court restores security for Natembeya and Khalwale — rules removal unconstitutional

 

The High Court of Kenya has ruled that the removal of security details attached to George Natembeya, Governor of Trans Nzoia County, and Boni Khalwale, Senator for Kakamega County, was unconstitutional and ordered their protection reinstated immediately. 

In its ruling issued on December 2, 2025, the Court issued conservatory orders requiring the Kenya Police Service (through the Inspector-General), the Ministry of Interior and National Administration (through the Interior Cabinet Secretary), and the Office of the Attorney General (Kenya) to restore the security detail exactly as it existed before the withdrawal. The Court also barred any variation in the number, composition or deployment of officers protecting the two leaders until the full hearing of the petition. 

The orders follow a petition filed by Centre for Litigation Trust (CLT), which argued that the abrupt withdrawal of protection for Natembeya and Khalwale — without explanation or due process — exposed them to risk and undermined constitutional safeguards for elected officials. The petition accused the state of discriminatory and politically motivated action. 

In response to the security withdrawal last month, Governor Natembeya had decried the move as a direct threat to his life and interference with his official duties, citing a lack of any court order or disciplinary reason.  Meanwhile, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen defended the recall of the officers, saying the measure aimed to prevent potential misuse of firearms by police working with criminal elements — though critics argued the explanation lacked transparency. 

Rights activists and supporters of the officials welcomed the ruling, saying it reaffirms constitutional protections and the rule of law. The Court’s directive remains in effect while the full petition — which challenges the legality of the security withdrawal — proceeds.