There was heightened activity on Monday morning at the Milimani residence of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, as officials from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) conducted a search operation.
The officers, who were in plain clothes and accompanied by anti-riot police from Kitale, arrived at the governor’s home at around 7am. According to EACC CEO Abdi Mohamed, the team had successfully accessed the residence as part of their ongoing investigations.
A group of concerned locals gathered near the premises to express their displeasure over the raid. Some vehicles belonging to the EACC officers reportedly had their tires deflated by members of the crowd.
EACC Head of Communications, Stephen Karuga, stated that the operation was being carried out in accordance with court orders. He confirmed that Governor Natembeya was under investigation in connection with alleged procurement irregularities.
“As part of our ongoing investigations, the Commission is conducting a search operation targeting various individuals of interest, including Governor George Natembeya,” Karuga said.
Former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa and a number of Members of County Assembly (MCAs) visited the home during the incident. Mr. Wamalwa stated that the governor was not present at the time of the raid and that he had spoken with him.
“I have talked to the Governor. He is safe and currently in Nairobi. What is happening here is unfortunate and appears to be an act of intimidation,” Wamalwa said.
Tensions escalated as some journalists who had arrived to cover the event were reportedly harassed by a section of the crowd while trying to capture images of the unfolding situation. A bonfire was also lit by residents at the main entrance to the residence, further adding to the commotion.
Authorities have not yet provided further details on the progress of the investigation.
