Siaya Governor James Orengo has written to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, demanding answers after his entire security detail was abruptly withdrawn on Tuesday evening.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

In a public statement issued by the governor on May 20, his first demand is clear, wanting an official, written explanation detailing the specific grounds on which the security withdrawal was authorised and which authority gave the order for it to happen.

He is also demanding the immediate reinstatement or replacement of his official security detail at all designated stations, including his Nairobi residence, with no further delays whatsoever.

“In light of the above, I urgently request an official explanation as to the grounds upon which this security withdrawal was authorised and the immediate reinstatement or replacement of my official security detail at all designated stations, including my Nairobi residence,” demanded Orengo.

📌 What You Need to Know

The public statement comes after the dramatic incident unfolded on the evening of Tuesday, May 19, when security officers attached to his personal detail and those guarding his Nairobi residence were simultaneously withdrawn without any explanation.

According to Orengo, no warning was issued before the withdrawal, no official communication was sent to the governor's office, and, most importantly, no replacement officers were appointed to fill the gap.

“ This drastic action was taken without any prior notification, formal communication, or the provision of suitable replacements,” stated Orengo.

Orengo termed the situation a political witch hunt, stressing that public servants holding political office are constitutionally mandated to have state security, which he does not regard as a privilege or luxury but as a constitutional requirement.

The Siaya Governor has been very vocal about the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leadership crisis, a party now affiliated with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) under the broad-based arrangement, and has declared himself the ‘de facto’ leader of the party.

He has also been aggressively mobilising his constituents for massive public demonstrations against the government's harsh economic policies and fuel tax hikes, with the Linda Mwanachi faction, which he is a key figure in, demanding that the government reduce the fuel prices by Ksh53, instead of the Ksh46 that was being fronted by the Matatu Owners Association (MOA).

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke