Kalonzo Raises Alarm Over Alleged Plot to Arrest Natembeya

Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has alleged that state agencies are planning to arrest Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, warning that the opposition would provide legal support if the governor is targeted.

Speaking during a visit to Mwingi on 17 October, Kalonzo said he had received information suggesting that law enforcement agencies could move against Natembeya and other leaders associated with the opposition-aligned United Alternative Government movement. He accused the government of applying political pressure on leaders critical of President William Ruto's administration and warned against attempts to intimidate elected officials.

Kalonzo assured Natembeya and his allies that they would receive legal assistance if any arrests were made. He recalled representing the governor in court following an earlier arrest and said he was prepared to offer similar support if necessary.

The allegations come as political leaders begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election. However, there has been no official confirmation of an impending arrest, leaving Kalonzo's claims unverified.

The Wiper leader also criticised President Ruto over remarks he made recently in Iten, in which the Head of State appeared to warn political leaders about the possibility of accidents. Kalonzo called for clarification, arguing that senior leaders should be careful with their public statements, particularly when their remarks could be interpreted as raising concerns about the safety of political figures.

The latest exchange follows an ongoing dispute between Ruto and Natembeya over the allocation of trading spaces at the newly established Masinde Muliro Market in Kitale. The disagreement centres on who should occupy the stalls and how traders should be selected to benefit from the facility.

Natembeya has maintained that the market was established to provide organised trading spaces for local business operators who previously conducted their activities along roadsides. He has insisted that residents of Trans Nzoia should be given priority and pledged to defend their access to the stalls despite disagreements with the national government.

The dispute has since extended beyond the market's management, with relations between the governor and national authorities deteriorating further over his security arrangements. Natembeya has repeatedly demanded an explanation from police leadership following the withdrawal of security personnel assigned to him. 

He has questioned the decision and linked it to what he describes as growing political hostility towards him.

Tensions also escalated in Kitale on 16 October, when rival political supporters clashed, prompting security agencies to intervene. Police reported that two officers were injured and government vehicles were damaged during the incident.