14 arrested over violent disruption of EACC raid at Governor Natembeya’s home
DCI said the suspects face charges related to malicious damage, theft and obstruction of justice following a raid on the governor’s residence during which EACC officers were violently obstructed while executing court-sanctioned search warrants.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested 14 suspects in connection with a violent incident that disrupted an anti-corruption operation at the residence of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya in Kitale on Monday.
In a statement on Thursday, DCI said the suspects face charges related to malicious damage, theft and obstruction of justice following a raid on the governor’s residence during which officers from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) were violently obstructed while executing court-sanctioned search warrants.
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The suspects, identified as Leon Ikua, Brian Mutonyi, James Maina, Churchil Ambula, Chirispus Kingara, Joseph Kakanja, Daniel Kanyingi, Levy Kiprotich, John Kamau, Benjamin Bukhala, Lavingtone Kipkemboi, Isaac Nyongesa Wanyonyi Wasike, Tonny Wafula Wasike, and Ismael Juma, were arrested in an operation conducted by a multi-agency team comprising local law enforcement officers in Trans Nzoia West and detectives from the DCI headquarters Operations Unit.
“All have been taken to custody pending arraignment,” the DCI said, adding that the operation is still ongoing.
Irregular procurement probe
The EACC officers were carrying out searches as part of an investigation into allegations of irregular procurement and fraudulent payments totalling Sh1.4 billion by the Trans Nzoia County Government during the fiscal years 2022/2023 and 2024/2025.
The coordinated operation targeted Governor Natembeya’s residence and office, as well as properties linked to four other individuals under investigation.
According to the EACC, the search at the governor’s home was being conducted in the presence of his family members, the county attorney, and legal counsel when unidentified individuals stormed the premises and overwhelmed security officers.
During the chaos, at least five EACC vehicles were vandalised and various seized items and other valuables were stolen, effectively disrupting the anti-corruption operation.
Authorities condemned the incident as a deliberate attempt to obstruct justice and undermine the rule of law.
The DCI has reaffirmed its commitment to bringing those responsible to justice and vowed to pursue every individual involved in the attack.
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