Why we arrested Trans Nzoia County officials at Milimani Law Courts - EACC
The commission said the arrests were made in collaboration with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) following an incident on May 19 at Governor George Natembeya’s residence in Kitale.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has said it arrested senior officials from the Trans Nzoia County Government for obstructing its officers during a lawful operation carried out under a court order.
In a statement issued Tuesday evening, the commission said the arrests were made in collaboration with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) following an incident on May 19 at Governor George Natembeya’s residence in Kitale.
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EACC said the operation was part of an ongoing investigation into suspected procurement irregularities, bribery, abuse of office, and the questionable acquisition of Sh1.46 billion in county funds during the 2022–2025 financial years.
The officers were acting on a search warrant issued by a court.
"During the operation, Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) and senior county officials incited the public, resulting in the obstruction of officers, assault on law enforcement, and vandalism of five government vehicles valued at Sh12.1 million," EACC said.
The commission added that investigations by the DCI led to the arrest of 24 suspects who were charged at Kitale Law Courts.
It further said one more suspect was arrested on Monday, and two others were arrested on Tuesday outside Milimani Law Courts, where Natembeya’s corruption case was being heard.
The three officials are expected to appear in court on June 4 at the Kitale Law Courts.
Videos widely shared online showed men in suits forcefully dragging one of the arrested officials outside the Milimani court, as another demanded to know the reason for the arrest. The incident drew attention as it unfolded during the governor’s court session.
"EACC affirms that it will not tolerate obstruction of justice or destruction of public property in the execution of its lawful mandate," the commission stated.
Governor Natembeya is facing three counts: unlawful acquisition of public property, conflict of interest, and indirectly benefiting from public funds.
He was released on May 20 on a bond of Sh1 million or an alternative cash bail of Sh500,000.
The court set 15 conditions for his release, including a ban on foreign travel unless allowed by the court and restricted access to his office.
During Tuesday's proceedings, the court also ordered the prosecution to submit all the documents it plans to use in the case by June 16.
“Those documents and statements ought to have been supplied by now... I therefore direct the prosecution to comply with the earlier orders,” the magistrate said.
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