Kalonzo Warns Ruto Against Arresting Natembeya, Demands Clarity on Accident Remarks

Kalonzo Warns Ruto Against Arresting Natembeya, Demands Clarity on Accident Remarks

Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) leader Kalonzo Musyoka has warned President William Ruto’s administration against allegedly targeting Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, promising legal support if authorities move to arrest the county chief.

Kalonzo made the remarks in Mwingi on Saturday, October 17, 2026, amid rising political tensions between the government and opposition leaders ahead of the 2027 General Election.

He claimed he had received information that the National Police Service (NPS) had threatened to arrest Natembeya and other leaders associated with the United Alternative Government. However, the alleged threat was not independently confirmed in the information provided.

The former Vice President called for political tolerance, warning against using state institutions to intimidate elected leaders.

“We will resist any attempt to intimidate or harass elected leaders,” Kalonzo said.

He added that he had previously represented Natembeya in a case following the governor’s arrest and arraignment at the Milimani Law Courts.

Kalonzo pledged to provide legal assistance should the governor face another arrest, although he did not disclose details of any new case or formal charges against Natembeya.

Kalonzo Questions Ruto’s Remarks on Accidents

Kalonzo also challenged President Ruto to clarify remarks he reportedly made in Iten that suggested political leaders could face accidents.

The Wiper leader said such comments required an explanation, particularly as the country approaches another election period.

“These are careless remarks to make, especially now that we are headed to the election year,” Kalonzo said.

He questioned what the President intended to communicate and raised concerns about how such statements could be interpreted amid the increasingly competitive political environment.

The remarks have added to the ongoing exchanges between government and opposition figures. However, the context and precise wording of Ruto’s comments would be necessary to establish their intended meaning.

Dispute Over Kitale Market Deepens Tensions

The political disagreement comes amid a dispute between Ruto and Natembeya over the allocation of stalls at the newly constructed Masinde Muliro Market in Kitale.

Natembeya has argued that the market was built to provide designated trading spaces for local businesspeople who had been operating along roadsides.

The governor accused the national government of interfering with the selection of traders expected to occupy the facility, alleging that some individuals he had selected were removed and replaced by others.

He subsequently vowed to ensure that traders from Trans Nzoia County were allowed to occupy the market despite the disagreement.

The dispute has become another point of contention between the national government and the county leadership, with both the allocation of trading spaces and the administration of the facility attracting political attention.

Natembeya Raises Concerns Over Security Withdrawal

The governor has also questioned the withdrawal of his security personnel, demanding an explanation from Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja.

The issue has added to concerns raised by Natembeya and his political allies about his security arrangements amid the growing dispute with the national government.

However, the circumstances surrounding the reported withdrawal and the reasons for the decision were not fully established in the information provided.

Police Report Injuries After Kitale Clashes

Tensions escalated further on Friday, October 16, when the National Police Service reported clashes involving rival political supporters in Kitale.

In a statement, the police service said two officers had sustained injuries and two government vehicles had been damaged during the incident.

The NPS condemned conduct it said undermined public order and confirmed that investigations had begun to establish what happened.

The police did not, in the information provided, establish a direct link between the reported clashes and the alleged threat to arrest Natembeya.

Political Tensions Rise Ahead of 2027 Elections

Kalonzo’s warning highlights growing concern among opposition leaders over the treatment of elected officials and the management of political disagreements ahead of the 2027 polls.

His promise of legal support signals that Natembeya could receive backing from opposition figures if the alleged arrest threat materialises.

Meanwhile, the dispute over Kitale market, questions surrounding the governor’s security and the recent clashes have placed Trans Nzoia at the centre of a wider political confrontation.

The key issues now remain whether authorities will take any formal action against Natembeya and whether the government will clarify the concerns raised by Kalonzo and other opposition leaders.

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Kalonzo Warns Ruto Against Arresting Natembeya, Demands Clarity on Accident Remarks