University of Nairobi political analyst Philip Kaulu has said government's move to withdraw Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho and his Kilifi counterpart Amason Kingi's security detail was politically driven.
Kaulu claimed the move was aimed at frustrating the duo as the elections draw closer, considering the role they play in the region's politics.
He noted that the decision was fueled by their condemnation of mega scandals within the national government.
“It is aimed at intimidating them from opening the lid on mega scams facing the government,” said Kaulu, as quoted by The Star.
The analyst further said the State is likely to take severe action against the two leaders as we approach the election date.
“The State’s next course of action against the two will be more severe as the political temperatures are set to boil over before August 8. What the leaders should avoid is taking protests to the streets, because it will give the government an opportunity to hammer them completely,” he said.
Opposition leaders have come out in defense of Joho and Kingi, faulting the government for intimidating its rivals.