Natembeya Alleges Armed Political Militia in Trans Nzoia, Takes on Government and Kenya Kwanza Leaders

 Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has intensified his criticism of the National Government, accusing powerful political actors of turning the National Police Reserve (NPR) unit based at ADC farms in Kitale into a private political militia capable of threatening peace and security in the county.

Speaking before a mammoth crowd during the 63rd Madaraka Day celebrations at Machewa Comprehensive Primary School in Saboti Sub-County, the outspoken governor claimed that the reserve unit, which was established to complement security agencies in safeguarding communities, had allegedly been weaponized for political purposes.

Natembeya told residents that while the National Police Reserve is legally recognized as an auxiliary, state-sanctioned community policing force, some individuals with vested political interests had manipulated its mandate by recruiting and arming civilians under the guise of strengthening local security.

According to the governor, the presence of the armed reserve unit in Trans Nzoia was unnecessary because the county is not among regions affected by banditry, cattle rustling, or persistent insecurity that would warrant the deployment of such a force.

“We do not need the NPR in Trans Nzoia. Some characters with ulterior motives have recruited and trained civilians, armed them, and transformed them into a political militia. We cannot allow a situation where innocent citizens live in fear because some people want to use security structures for political gain,” Natembeya told the gathering.

The governor's remarks come days after the passing-out parade of 57 NPR recruits at ADC farms in Kitale. The ceremony was presided over by Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, whose attendance Natembeya questioned, saying residents deserved answers regarding the purpose and mission of the newly trained reservists.

Natembeya linked the reserve force to growing concerns among residents over security and accountability, claiming that the recruitment exercise had raised serious questions about transparency and the criteria used to select members.

He alleged that the recruitment of members largely drawn from a single community had fueled suspicion among residents and could undermine public confidence in the neutrality of the reserve force.

“It is wrong for anyone to use the NPR as a private or partisan militia to intimidate political rivals, secure local influence or create fear among communities. Security agencies must remain neutral and serve all Kenyans equally,” he said.

The governor further claimed that one resident from Kitalale had recently lost his life under circumstances allegedly involving NPR officers, and demanded a thorough investigation into the incident.

He called on the National Police Service to immediately redeploy the reservists to counties facing genuine security challenges, particularly areas affected by cattle rustling and bandit attacks.

“If the government has trained these officers to enhance security, then let them be deployed where they are needed most. There are regions struggling with insecurity and loss of lives due to banditry. We do not need armed groups operating in Trans Nzoia under unclear circumstances,” he stated.

Natembeya also demanded clarity on the NPR's chain of command, arguing that ambiguity in the management of reserve officers could create opportunities for abuse of power and rogue operations.

He challenged security authorities to publicly explain who controls the reservists, how they receive instructions and what mechanisms exist to ensure accountability.

Beyond security matters, the governor used the national celebrations to launch a fresh political offensive against leaders allied to President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza administration.

He accused Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka and Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula of interfering in Trans Nzoia politics and attempting to undermine his leadership.

Natembeya claimed that Lusaka had made several political visits to the county with the intention of campaigning against him while seeking to position himself as President Ruto's political point man in the Western Kenya region.

Without mincing words, the governor described the visiting leaders as "political tourists" whose presence was aimed at creating division rather than promoting development.

“I want the people of Trans Nzoia to be cautious of political tourists coming from outside the county. Some are here to create confusion, stir political tensions and pursue personal interests while pretending to speak on behalf of residents,” he said.

The governor further alleged that some of his political opponents were interested in influencing decisions surrounding vast tracts of land whose leases have expired, claiming that attempts were being made to take advantage of local communities.

Natembeya also turned his attention to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and other senior Kenya Kwanza leaders, accusing them of spreading false information to President Ruto regarding the political situation in Trans Nzoia.

According to the governor, the President had allegedly been advised that hostile youths were waiting to heckle him if he visited the county, claims he dismissed as baseless and politically motivated.

He insisted that President Ruto would be welcomed by residents if he chose to visit the county and emphasized that he had no personal differences with the Head of State.

“I have nothing personal against the President of Kenya. He was elected by Kenyans and deserves respect as the Head of State. If he comes to Trans Nzoia, he does not need anyone's permission. As governor and the representative of the county government, I will personally be available to welcome him,” Natembeya said.

The former Rift Valley Regional Commissioner argued that the President's absence from Trans Nzoia was not due to fears of hostility from residents but rather because of growing public dissatisfaction over stalled development projects.

He claimed that the national government had failed to initiate or complete major projects promised to residents, despite the county's strategic importance as one of Kenya's leading agricultural regions.

“Trans Nzoia is the breadbasket of Kenya. Our people want roads, markets, water projects and better services. The issue is not politics; the issue is development. Residents are asking what projects have been delivered,” he said.

Natembeya also raised concerns over reports of a controversial agreement between Kenya and the United States involving the establishment of an Ebola quarantine and treatment facility in the country.

The governor questioned the rationale behind the arrangement and urged the national government to provide full details to Kenyans.

He argued that Kenya should not be turned into a quarantine centre for Ebola patients, especially in light of legal challenges that have reportedly halted the implementation of the proposal.

“It is important that the government listens to the concerns of Kenyans and respects court decisions. Matters touching on public health and national security must be handled transparently,” he said.

His remarks drew cheers from sections of the crowd, underscoring his growing influence in regional politics and his willingness to openly challenge national leaders.

The Madaraka Day celebrations, which commemorate Kenya's attainment of internal self-rule in 1963, largely turned into a platform for Natembeya to articulate his concerns about security, governance and what he described as increasing political interference in county affairs.

The governor's latest statements are expected to spark renewed debate over the role of the National Police Reserve, political competition in Western Kenya and the relationship between county governments and the national administration as political realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election continue to take shape.