Siaya Governor James Orengo has demanded an official explanation and the immediate reinstatement of his security detail after it was withdrawn without notice on Tuesday evening.
In a statement issued on May 20, Orengo called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to provide written details on the grounds and authority behind the withdrawal. He also requested that officers be restored at once to all his stations, including his Nairobi residence.
Orengo described the move as a political witch-hunt. He noted that no warning or formal communication had been given and that no replacement officers had been assigned. Public servants in political office are entitled to state security under the constitution, he said.
The governor has been outspoken on the Orange Democratic Movement leadership and has organised protests against fuel tax increases. Copies of his letter were sent to Council of Governors chair Ahmed Abdullahi and Siaya County Police Commander Lucy Kananu. Neither Kanja nor Murkomen had responded by the time of publication.