Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) officers have arrested Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya over allegations of embezzling Sh1.4 billion county funds.

Natembeya’s lawyer, Ndegwa Njiru, stated yesterday that the governor was taken to the EACC headquarters in Nairobi for questioning, but was denied access to his legal team.

“They have locked in our client, but we are not able to access him or give him any legal counsel on the process that is currently being undertaken,” said Njiru. 

EACC confirmed that Natembeya is being investigated over alleged procurement irregularities, abuse of office and bribery tied to three major projects during the 2022/2023 to 2024/2025 Financial Years.

The projects include the rehabilitation of Kenyatta Stadium (Phase 1A), the construction of county headquarters offices and the building of Tom Mboya Hospital.

“The Governor is alleged to have influenced the award of tenders and received kickbacks from contractors through proxies,” said the Commission in a statement signed by Chief Executive Officer Abdi Mohamud

The Commission added that search operations are ongoing at the homes and offices of other persons of interest.

Natembeya has been a vocal critic of the government, a stand his Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) claimed triggered the raid.

The party condemned the operation in a social media post, calling it an abuse of power.

“A heavy contingent of police officers in plain clothes, well-masked, have gained access to Natembeya’s Milimani home in Kitale. Such Moi tactics won’t work in current times,” the party stated.

DAP-K added that weaponising independent offices to frustrate political opponents would be resisted. 

“The plans to arrest DPL Governor George Natembeya over his people-centric stance under TAWE shall not be allowed,” the post added.

Yesterday morning chaotic scenes erupted at Natembeya’s Kitale home when EACC officers arrived accompanied by area police.

Trouble began when residents flocked to governor’s home in Milimani Estate, after learning that the EACC team intended to arrest him.

The crowd forced their way into the gated property, vowing to protect the governor.

At one point, the youths assaulted two local journalists, Evans Jaola of the Daily Nation and Osinde Obare of The Standard, when they attempted to take photos of the damaged vehicles. During the altercation, Jaola sustained injuries to his left hand, had his shirt torn, and his phone was snatched by the angry crowd.

The situation escalated until Trans-Nzoia County Director of Communication Felix Sialo intervened.

A resident, Francis Wangila, reported that one officer carrying a box was forced to return it to the vehicle. “We are allowing you to enter the governor’s house without carrying any bags. We know you might be trying to plant evidence to incriminate him,” Wangila told the team, and the officers complied.

Eugene Wamalwa, DAP-K Party leader, accompanied by local MCAs Andrew Kutitila and Eric Wafula, arrived at the governor’s home and described the act government’s intimidation. He said it was wrong for government to profile and harass leaders who criticise his administration.