KITALE, KENYA — A raid by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on Governor George Natembeya’s residence in Milimani estate, Kitale town, on Monday, resulted in the vandalism of at least eight EACC vehicles.
Officers were compelled to leave the scene under heavy security, with police deploying tear gas to disperse a large and agitated crowd that had gathered outside the Governor’s home.
The EACC operation, which commenced before 8:00 AM, lasted for more than two hours, during which officers conducted a thorough search of the property. Governor Natembeya was reportedly not present at the residence during the operation.
As hundreds of residents converged on the area to protest the raid, several EACC vehicles were targeted. The vehicles were pelted with stones, and their tires were deflated, forcing the officers to abandon at least eight damaged vehicles during their hasty retreat.
The situation was eventually brought under control by hospital ward MCA Eric Wafula, who intervened to calm the crowd and facilitate the safe departure of the EACC team.
According to the EACC, the operation is part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of irregular procurement and fictitious payments totaling Sh1.4 billion. The allegations involve senior officials within the Trans-Nzoia County Government and pertain to financial years 2022/2023 and 2024/2025.
In a statement, the EACC confirmed that it had obtained search warrants to conduct raids on the residences and offices of Governor Natembeya and four other individuals implicated in the alleged malfeasance.
The investigation centers on accusations of procurement irregularities, abuse of office, bribery, and the fraudulent acquisition of public funds.
The commission detailed that the investigation is focused on three major projects awarded by the Trans-Nzoia County government: the rehabilitation and modernization of Kenyatta Stadium (Phase 1A), awarded to Parbat Siyan Construction Limited; the construction of the Trans-Nzoia County Headquarters offices, contracted to C.M. Construction Company Limited; and the construction of Tom Mboya Hospital, entrusted to Session Blue Contractors Limited.
Governor Natembeya is accused of influencing tender awards and receiving kickbacks from contractors through proxies.
The other individuals under investigation include Emanuel Masungo (Chief Officer, Finance), Dorothy Nyukuri (Chief Officer, Water), Eliyah Liambula (Director of Procurement), and Desmond Shivachi, a contractor alleged to be a proxy for the governor.
The EACC is also investigating allegations of money laundering and unexplained wealth accumulation by senior county officials, suspected to be part of a broader scheme to conceal the proceeds of crime.
The EACC reported that the search operation yielded critical evidence to support the ongoing investigations.
The commission also condemned the violence directed at its officers during the raid. EACC CEO Abdi Mohamud described the vandalism of their vehicles by “rowdy youths” as “unacceptable and a violation of the law.”
“It is an offence punishable by law for any person to obstruct a commission officer while undertaking investigations. This act of hooliganism is unacceptable and a direct affront to the rule of law. The commission affirms that it is an independent constitutional body operating strictly within its mandate and will continue to discharge its duties with professionalism and integrity,” Mohamud stated.
