Kalonzo condemns alleged plot to arrest Natembeya, slams Ruto over ‘leaders will face accidents’ remark

Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) leader has condemned alleged threats to arrest Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, warning the government against intimidating opposition leaders.

Kalonzo said the opposition would resist any attempt to harass Natembeya and other leaders in the United Alternative Government, maintaining that political tolerance was essential in a democratic State.

Speaking during a press conference on Saturday, Kalonzo cited his previous representation of Natembeya in a case in which the Governor was arrested and arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts, saying the matter had since been concluded.

Kalonzo warned that any attempt to arrest the Trans Nzoia Governor would be met with legal resistance, assuring him of protection under the law.

“We have received information that the National Police Service has issued a statement threatening to arrest Governor Natembeya and possibly other leaders in the United Alternative Government. We want to make it very clear to this regime that we will resist any attempt to harass any national leader, including Governor Natembeya,” he said.

“It appears that the authorities have become even more frustrated by the popularity of this Governor and other leaders in the alternative government.”

He added: “We want to caution them that tolerance is very important in a democratic state. If they attempt to arrest Governor Natembeya, we want to assure them that he will be accorded absolute and firm protection under the law and will be adequately represented.”

The Wiper leader also accused the administration of allowing goons to intimidate opposition leaders while shifting blame to the opposition, raising concerns over the safety of political leaders ahead of the 2027 General Election.

He took issue with President William Ruto, accusing him of making reckless remarks about leaders facing accidents, as he demanded an explanation from the Head of State.

“It is very disturbing that this administration keeps releasing goons and blaming the opposition,” Kalonzo said.

“When a Head of State says that leaders will face accidents, we want them to come out clearly and explain what they mean. In an election year, that is absolutely careless talk from the Head of State. We want them to explain how leaders are going to get those accidents.”

Kalonzo argued that such remarks raised concerns about the political environment in the country, describing the administration as irresponsible.

“He was speaking in a tent. It is in the public domain, and these are some of the things that make us feel, as Kenyans, that we do not have a government. What we have is a very irresponsible administration,” he said.

The opposition leader also expressed confidence that the government would face a political backlash in the next election, saying Kenyans were eager to vote.

“Of course, we will deal them a blow in the next election. Kenyans cannot even wait to go to the polls,” he said.

The Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition boss at the same time called out the alleged intolerance during the memorial event for the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at the Migwena cultural ground, accusing some leaders of assuming their remarks would automatically command public support.

“What we witnessed when we went to the Migwena cultural ground for the memorial of our brother, Raila Amolo Odinga, was yet another display of shame and intolerance,” he said.

“People come there and make their remarks, assuming that once they leave, everyone will simply follow what they have said.”

Kalonzo thus expressed confidence that the Luo community had demonstrated its position on the next election, claiming that it was opposed to President Ruto serving a second term.

“We must thank the Luo nation because they have clearly demonstrated that they stand for one term for Mr Ruto. It is as simple as that,” he said, adding that Ruto would face a strong political challenge in 2027.

“They should therefore not panic because the country has walked away from them. They are yet to confront the reality. That reality will be an overwhelming send-off of this administration.”