Governor Natembeya Arrested After Police Raid His Home

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has been arrested, hours after police on Monday, May 19, raided his home in Kitale, under murky circumstances, amid reports that the county chief is being probed.

The early morning raid was reportedly carried out by heavily armed anti-riot police in coordination with officials from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

Viral Tea has been reliably informed learnt that Natembeya has been arrested. His lawyer, Ndegwa Njiru, who spoke to the media, revealed that the county boss was barred from accessing any legal facility by the anti-corruption body.

"We brought our client to the EACC headquarters, but unfortunately, we are not allowed by the EACC officers to access our client. They say they have brought him for a statement recording, but he is not allowed to access any legal facility by the EACC," Njiru stated.

"When we asked them why we are not able to access the client, they said the Director in charge of investigations is yet to decide whether or not the advocates will access their clients. They have locked in our client; he is inside here, but we are not able to access him or even give him legal counsel on the processes that are currently undertaken."

Njiru also confirmed that Natembeya was arrested in the morning hours and was never issued a summons to that effect.

Governor Natembeya's Link To Ksh1.4 Billion Scandal

EACC in a subsequent statement revealed that it is investigating allegations of procurement irregularities, abuse of office and bribery, with the arrest linked to a fraudulent acquisition of Ksh1.4 billion. The alleged irregularities are believed to have occurred in the 2022/2023 to 2024/2025 Financial Years.

The investigations, according to EACC, focus on three major projects awarded by the County Government, namely: Rehabilitation and Modernisation of Kenyatta Stadium (Phase 1A), awarded to Parbat Siyan Construction Limited, Construction of the Trans-Nzoia County Headquarters Offices, awarded to C.M. Construction Company Limited and Construction of Tom Mboya Hospital - awarded to Session Blue Contractors Limited

"The Governor is alleged to have influenced the award of tenders and received kickbacks from contractors through proxies," stated EACC.

Other than Natembeya, other persons of interest include a Chief Officer, Finance, a Chief Officer of Water, a Director of Procurement and a Contractor/Proxy to the Governor.

"In addition, the Commission is probing allegations of money laundering and accumulation of unexplained wealth by senior county officials, suspected to be part of a broader scheme to conceal the proceeds of crime. The search operation has resulted in the recovery of critical evidentiary material to support ongoing investigations," added the statement.

Tensions ran high outside the residence as large crowds of Natembeya’s supporters gathered, clashing with police in a heated standoff. Officers struggled to manage the swelling crowd, prompting the deployment of reinforcements to keep things from spiralling further.

EACC, in response, condemned the chaos during the raid on Natembeya’s home, where five of its vehicles were damaged, warning locals involved in the disruption that they could face legal action for interfering with official duties.

It also dismissed claims that the raid was politically driven, insisting it operates independently and strictly within its constitutional mandate.

"Unfortunately, during today's operation at Governor Natembeya's residence in Kitale, Commission vehicles were vandalised by a group of rowdy youths. The Commission strongly condemns the violence directed at its officers while lawfully executing their mandate. It is an offence punishable by law for any person to obstruct a Commission Officer while undertaking investigations," added the statement.

"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."

Trans Nzoia County residents protest looming arrest of Governor George Natembeya, deflate tyres of five vehicles belonging to DCI, EACC officials who pitched camp at his Kitale home pic.twitter.com/ZuyaoayChu — Viral Tea Ke (@ViralTeaKe) May 19, 2025