Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi has said no amount of intimidation will compel him to change his political stance.
Addressing journalists on Saturday shortly after the government withdrew his security detail, as well as that of his Mombasa counterpart Hassan Joho, Kingi said he is willing to remain without bodyguards if that is the price he has to pay for being a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.
“I wish to remind the Jubilee Government that my security lies in the hands of God and the people of Kilifi. Withdrawing my security detail without any valid reason whatsoever will not in any way compel me to change my political stance. I'm is in ODM to Stay,” said Kingi.
He criticised the government for failing to inform them about the move in advance, saying all leaders should be accorded the respect they deserve.
According to the governor, his four bodyguards were asked to surrender their firearms and return to their respective posts, with the administration police who guard his residence also being withdrawn.
Joho had accompanied ODM Party leader Raila Odinga to the swearing in ceremony of Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo.
State House spokesperson Manoah Esipisu, however, rubbished claims that the move was politically motivated, saying it was part of the local security’s command to restructure security in the area.
“My understanding is that the regional command structures in Mombasa and Kilifi are reorganising themselves and I think it would be up to them to respond to any issues around that. Reorganisations are normal and there is no political motive in operational matters within the police service,” said Esipisu.
In March 2016, the two governor's security detail were withdrawn over alleged misconduct during the Malindi by-election campaigns.