Anxiety gripped Trans Nzoia County yesterday after the dramatic apprehension of Governor George Natembea regarding the the alleged embezzlement of KSh1.4 billion, county funds. The arrest, that was carried out by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), provoked a heated political debate and chaos among residents.
The early morning raid at the governor’s Milimani home quickly spiraled into unrest as angry men and women attempted to block the EACC officers from conducting the search.
In the confrontation, four commission vehicles were destroyed and deflated, with officers barely escaping unhurt. During the chaos, police used tear gas to disperse the crowd as tensions escalated, protesters lit bonfires and barricaded nearby roads.
During the time of the raid, Governor Natembea was in his other residence in Nairobi. He was later arrested in Kileleshwa and taken to the EACC Integrity Centre, where he recorded a statement. He remained in custody and is expected to be arraigned in court today (Tuesday), where he is facing potential charges including unlawful acquisition of public property , conflict of interest and bribery.
While on it, opposition leaders swiftly criticized the operation, calling it a politically driven move to intimidate vocal government critics. Former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, who is also the party leader of DAP party strongly condemned the arrest.
“This is not a fight against corruption, it’s political persecution. If it quacks like a duck and swims like a duck, it is a duck,” Wamalwa noted. “The government is targeting dynamic opposition leaders who are exposing the rot and corruption within.”
Replying to the cricizm, EACC backed its actions, stressing that the investigation was rooted in significant procurement irregularities and abuse of office. The commission also said the probe was centered on three major county projects:
- The rehabilitation and modernization of Kenyatta Stadium
- Construction of the new county headquarters
- Building of Tom Mboya Hospital
The purported wastage of county funds is believed to have taken place the financial years 2022/2023 and 2024/2025.
Other than the governor, several top county officials and associates were under scrutiny. And they included:
- Emanuel Masungu, Chief Officer of Finance
- Dorothy (surname withheld), Chief Officer of Water
- Ela, Director of Procurement
- Desmond Shivachi, a contractor allegedly acting as a proxy for the governor
Governor Natembea’s arrest has increased the growing tension between President Ruto’s government and the opposition. He is expected to be presented in court today, where formal charges is supposedbe presented.
As the inquiry continues, Kenyans remains divided as some are calling for accountability in county financial management, while others denounce what they view as the politicization of anti-corruption efforts.
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