Kalonzo Musyoka has warned Ruto over alleged plans to arrest Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, promising legal representation and demanding an explanation for remarks made in Iten.
Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) leader Kalonzo Musyoka has warned President William Ruto and his administration over alleged plans to arrest Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, promising legal support amid rising political tension ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking in Mwingi during a routine home visit on October 17, 2026, Kalonzo said 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, adding that political tolerance is important in a democratic state.
Kalonzo noted that he had previously represented Natembeya in a case in which the governor was arrested and arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts. He promised that the governor would receive the necessary legal representation if authorities moved against him again.
Questions have also arisen around the reported threat, with suggestions that Natembeya's growing political profile and links with opposition leaders could be contributing to tensions with the government.
Kalonzo also criticised Ruto over remarks he made in Iten, which Kalonzo said suggested that political leaders would face accidents. He demanded 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, questioning what the remarks implied for the safety of political leaders.
The remarks follow an escalating dispute between Ruto and Natembeya over the allocation of stalls at the newly built Masinde Muliro Market in Kitale. The president was accused of removing traders Natembeya had selected to occupy the facility and replacing them with people whose selection the governor questioned.
Natembeya said the market was built to give a designated trading space to local businesspeople who had been operating along roadsides. He has since vowed to ensure traders from Trans Nzoia occupy the market, despite the disagreement with the national government.
The tension between the two leaders has also involved Natembeya 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 after clashes involving rival political supporters in Kitale, saying two police officers were injured and two government vehicles were damaged.