Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) leader Kalonzo Musyoka has warned President William Ruto and his administration over the alleged plans to arrest of Tran Nzoia Governor George Ntembeya, assuring legal support amid rising political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in Mwingi during a routine home visit on October 17, 2026, Kalonzo said that he had received information that the National Police Service (NPS) had threatened to arrest Natembeya and other leaders associated with the United Alternative Government.
“We will resist any attempt to intimidate or harass elected leaders,” Kalonzo said while urging that political tolerance is important in a democratic state.
He added that previously he represented Natembeya in a case where the governor was arrested and arraigned in Milimani Law Court, and promised that the county chief would receive the necessary legal representation if authorities moved against him again.
A collage of Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya (Left), and President William Ruto (Right).
Photo
Kenyans.co.ke
Questions also arose surrounding the reported threat, suggesting that Natembeya’s growing political profile and association with opposition leaders could be contributing to tensions with the government.
Ruto was further criticised by Kalonzo over remarks that he made in Iten, where he suggested that political leaders would face accidents, demanding that the Head of State explain what he meant.
“These are careless remarks to make, especially now that we are headed to the election year,” Kalonzo said while further questioning the implication for the safety of political leaders.
These remarks follow an escalating dispute between Ruto and Natembeya over the allocation of stalls at the newly constructed Masinde Muliro Market in Kitale, where the president was accused of removing traders he had selected to occupy the facility and replacing them with people whose selection he questioned.
According to Natembeya, the market was built to provide a designated trading space for local businesspeople who had been operating alongside roads.
The governor subsequently vowed to ensure traders from Trans Nzoia were allowed to occupy the market, despite the disagreement with the national government.
The disagreement and tension between the two leaders involved Natembeya also questioning the withdrawal of his security details and demanding an explanation from Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja.
On October 16, the NPS issued a statement following clashes involving rival political supporters in Kitale, saying two police officers were injured and two government vehicles were damaged.
Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka speaking at a rally in Mombasa on October 10, 2026
kalonzo musyoka