Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has been arrested by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over alleged embezzlement of Ksh.1.4 billion in county funds. The arrest occurred on Monday morning, with the governor presented at EACC headquarters in Nairobi for questioning and statement recording.
According to his lawyer, Ndegwa Njiri, the legal team has been denied access to Natembeya, who remains in custody pending further investigations. Njiri expressed concern over the restricted access, terming the move a violation of the governor’s rights.
The EACC has linked the arrest to procurement irregularities, abuse of office, and bribery allegedly committed during the 2022/2023 to 2024/2025 financial years. Investigations are focused on three major county projects: the rehabilitation and modernisation of Kenyatta Stadium (Phase 1A), the construction of county headquarters, and the building of Tom Mboya Hospital.
According to the Commission, Governor Natembeya is suspected of influencing the award of multimillion-shilling tenders and receiving kickbacks through proxies. Raids have also been conducted at various offices and residences of individuals connected to the probe, including Natembeya’s home in Kitale.
The arrest has sparked political uproar. Former Defence Cabinet Secretary and Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa criticized the move, terming it an act of political harassment. “We will not allow harassment of the opposition and the weaponizing of our justice system,” said Wamalwa, adding that other opposition figures, including Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua and Mumias East MP Peter Salasya, have also faced similar treatment.
Outside EACC offices in Nairobi, hundreds of Natembeya’s supporters gathered in protest, demanding his immediate release. Chanting slogans and carrying placards, the demonstrators decried what they called “state-sponsored intimidation” against a popular county leader.
As investigations intensify, the spotlight remains on the EACC’s handling of high-profile corruption cases amid growing political tension across the country. The Commission has yet to confirm when Natembeya will be arraigned in court.
