Leaders condemn police raid on Governor Natembeya’s home, term move as political witch hunt

Leaders across the country have condemned the police raid on Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya’s residence in Kitale, terming it an act of political intimidation and an abuse of state power meant to silence dissenting voices within the opposition.

A contingent of police officers stormed the governor’s Kitale home on Monday before 8 am, conducting a search that lasted over two hours.

Governor Natembeya was not present at the time of the raid, which sparked a dramatic standoff between officers and local residents.

Opposition leaders and political parties have issued scathing statements in reaction to the incident, accusing the government of deploying security forces to harass its critics.

The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, described the operation as a political witch hunt.

“We strongly condemn the recent use of police to intimidate former Rift Valley Regional Commissioner and current political leader, George Natembeya. The raid by hundreds of police officers on his home was nothing short of a political witch hunt aimed at silencing his dissent against the government. This blatant misuse of state machinery is deeply troubling,” DCP said in a statement.

The party reminded President William Ruto of his earlier assurances that his administration would not weaponise police against opponents.

“We remind President Ruto of his promise that his administration would never use police to harass or intimidate political opponents. What has changed?” it posed.

“The police service must remain autonomous and free from political manipulation. It is unacceptable for state security forces to be deployed against citizens simply for holding a contrary political opinion.”

DCP also praised the residents of Trans Nzoia who confronted the police. At least eight vehicles belonging to Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) officers were vandalised during the chaotic raid.

“We also take this moment to stand with and congratulate the brave residents of Trans Nzoia for rising up and saying ‘Tawe!’ to the political intimidation and raid on their Governor's residence. Your courage is a testament to the spirit of democracy and resistance against oppression,” the party said.

DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa, who visited the residence, was the first opposition leader to show up in solidarity. He decried the government’s silence and demanded answers.

Wamalwa accused the government of selectively applying state power and urged similar scrutiny for top officials making inflammatory remarks. He singled out Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, whom he accused of invoking divisive rhetoric reminiscent of the 2007/2008 post-election crisis.

Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka also joined the chorus of condemnation, warning against what he termed as the weaponisation of independent institutions for political vendettas.

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“I wish to express grave concern over the rising trend of weaponising independent institutions in Kenya for political witch-hunting. The recent arrest of Governor Natembeya, who has never hesitated to stand with his people on the Nzoia and Mumias Sugar Factory scandals, is not only uncalled for but also an affront to the spirit of devolution and democratic accountability,” Onyonka said in a statement.

He said the acts are against the law, an affront to common sense, and an attack on the autonomy of our institutions.

“We cannot allow the reversal to a gloomy period when state authority is employed to suppress dissenting views rather than the public interest,” he said.

Meanwhile, tensions remained high at the residence, with rowdy supporters camping outside to prevent any further police action. Some reportedly deflated the tyres of police vehicles.

EACC, in a statement, condemned the destruction of its vehicles during the operation.

“Unfortunately, during today's operation at Governor Natembeya's residence in Kitale, Commission vehicles were vandalised by a group of rowdy youths,” EACC CEO Abdi Mohamud said.

“This act of hooliganism is unacceptable and a direct affront to the rule of law.”

He maintained that EACC is a constitutionally mandated body that would continue to carry out its work professionally and independently.

The raid comes just a week after Governor Natembeya led protests opposing the leasing of Nzoia Sugar Company, a move some leaders now suspect may have drawn political retaliation.