EACC officers flee as protesters vandalise vehicles during raid on Governor Natembeya’s home

One of the vehicles belonging to EACC officers which was vandalised during a chaotic raid at Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya’s residence in Kitale on May 19, 2025. (Photo: Courtesy)

By Lucy Mumbi
Monday, May 19, 2025

Natembeya is accused of influencing tender awards and receiving kickbacks from contractors through proxies.

At least eight vehicles belonging to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) officers were vandalised during a chaotic raid at Governor George Natembeya’s residence in Milimani estate, Kitale town on Monday.

Officers were forced to flee aboard police vehicles amid tight security as police fired tear gas to disperse an angry crowd which had gathered outside the governor’s home.

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The raid, which began before 8 am, lasted over two hours, during which the EACC officers conducted a thorough search of the property. The governor was reportedly not at the home at the time of the operation.

As hundreds of residents stormed the area to protest the raid, several of the vehicles used by the officers were pelted with stones and had their tyres deflated. The officers abandoned at least eight damaged cars during their hurried exit.

The chaotic scene required intervention from hospital ward MCA Eric Wafula, who helped calm the angry crowd, allowing the EACC team to leave safely.

According to EACC, the operation forms part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of irregular procurement and fictitious payments amounting to Sh1.4 billion by senior officials in the Trans-Nzoia County Government during the financial years 2022/2023 and 2024/2025.

In a statement, EACC said it had obtained search warrants to carry out the raids at the residences and offices of Governor Natembeya and four other individuals suspected of involvement.

The probe focuses on allegations of procurement irregularities, abuse of office, bribery and fraudulent acquisition of public funds.

The commission said the investigations focuses on three major projects awarded by the Trans-Nzoia County government including the rehabilitation and modernisation of Kenyatta Stadium (Phase 1A), which was 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.

Natembeya is accused of influencing tender awards and receiving kickbacks from contractors through proxies.

The other persons of interest include Emanuel Masungo (Chief Officer, Finance), Dorothy Nyukuri (Chief Officer, Water), Eliyah Liambula (Director of Procurement), and Desmond Shivachi, a contractor and proxy to the governor.

EACC is also investigating allegations of money laundering and unexplained wealth accumulation by senior county officials, suspected to be part of a wider scheme to conceal proceeds of crime.

EACC said the search operation led to the recovery of critical evidence to support the ongoing investigations.

The commission also condemned the violence against its officers during the raid, describing 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,” EACC CEO Abdi Mohamud said.