Petitioner moves to court seeking reinstatement of Governor Orengo’s security

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A petition has been filed at the High Court seeking orders compelling the government to immediately reinstate security officers attached to Siaya Governor James Orengo, with the applicants claiming the withdrawal was unlawful, discriminatory and politically motivated.

The petition by the Centre for Litigation Trust names the Inspector General of Police, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, and the Attorney General as respondents.

In the petition, the lobby group claims that Governor Orengo’s entire security detail, including officers guarding his residences in Nairobi and Siaya, was withdrawn on May 19 without prior notice or official communication.

The organisation argues that the withdrawal exposed the governor to security risks and violated constitutional provisions on fair administrative action, good governance and the protection of state officers.

According to the court documents, all other county governors continue to enjoy state-provided security, making the alleged withdrawal of Orengo’s protection “an unlawful and discriminatory deviation from established practice.”

The petitioner further contends that security for constitutional office holders is anchored in law and is necessary to enable them discharge their duties without intimidation or interference.

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In the petition, the lobby group links the move to Governor Orengo’s recent political positions and public remarks, particularly his criticism of the broad-based arrangement between the government and sections of the opposition.

“The withdrawal of the security personnel appears to be a retaliatory and intimidatory act designed to pressure the Interested Party into aligning his political position with those of the national executive,” the petition states.

The petitioner also accuses state agencies of abusing power and weaponising security apparatus against elected leaders perceived to hold dissenting political views.

The application seeks conservatory orders restoring the governor’s full security detail pending the hearing and determination of the case.

The petition was filed through Masake & Associates Advocates and is supported by an affidavit sworn by Julius Ogogoh, the Executive Director of the Centre for Litigation Trust.

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