14 Arrested For Destroying EACC Cars During Raid At Governor Natembeya's Home

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has announced significant progress in the ongoing investigation into the recent violent incident in which officers from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) were unlawfully obstructed while executing their official mandate.

According to DCI's statement on Thursday, May 22, a coordinated operation led by a multi-agency team, comprising officers from the Trans Nzoia West police division and detectives from the DCI Headquarters Operations Unit, resulted in the arrest of 14 individuals.

The suspects were revealed to be involved in acts of malicious damage and theft at the residence of the Trans Nzoia County Governor, George Natembeya.

"Investigations into the violent incident that occurred during which officers from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) were unlawfully obstructed while carrying out their official duties have yielded significant progress," stated the DCI in part.

"The multi-agency team comprising local law enforcement officers in Trans Nzoia West, augmented by detectives from DCI Headquarters Operations Unit, conducted an operation that led to the arrest of 14 suspects connected to acts of malicious damage and stealing at the residence of Trans Nzoia County Governor."

The suspects currently in custody are: Leon Ikua, Brian Mutonyi, James Maina, Churchill Ambula, Chirispus Kingara, Joseph Kakanja, Daniel Kanyingi, Levy Kiprotich and John Kamau.

Others include Benjamin Bukhala, Lavingtone Kipkemboi, Isaac Nyongesa Wanyonyi Wasike, Tonny Wafula Wasike, and Ismael Juma. All have been detained pending arraignment in court.

According to DCI, the operation is ongoing, with efforts currently focused on apprehending additional suspects, including financiers, facilitators, and ring leaders behind the incident.

This comes after the investigative agency launched its probe into the violent incident, which occurred as EACC officers were executing court-authorised search warrants in connection with an investigation into suspected irregular procurement practices and fraudulent disbursement of public funds amounting to Ksh1.4 billion by the Trans Nzoia County Government.

The alleged financial improprieties were reported to have taken place during the 2022/2023 and 2024/2025 financial years.

The operation focused on multiple locations, including the residence and office of Governor Natembeya, as well as properties linked to four other individuals under investigation.

According to the EACC, the search at Governor Natembeya’s home was being conducted in the presence of his family members, the county attorney, and legal representatives when the situation escalated. A group of unidentified individuals allegedly forced their way onto the premises, overpowering the security personnel present.

During the attack, five EACC vehicles were vandalised, and several items previously seized as evidence, along with other valuables, were stolen, effectively halting the anti-corruption operation.

Authorities strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a calculated attempt to obstruct justice and erode the rule of law. The DCI reiterated its resolve to apprehend and prosecute all those involved without delay.

Governor Natembeya was arrested in connection with the multi-billion shilling scandal. Before he was released on a Ksh1 million bond or a cash bail of Ksh 500,000, he was charged with the unlawful acquisition of public funds totalling Ksh 3,252,568.

Protests outside Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya's residence on May 19, 2025. /TAIFA LEO