Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya is expected to be arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi following his dramatic arrest on Monday by detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). The governor is facing serious allegations of financial misconduct involving Ksh1.4 billion in irregular expenditures in Trans Nzoia County.
According to sources within the EACC, a joint operation conducted by officers from both the commission and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) was launched early Monday morning. The officers initially raided Natembeya’s rural residence in Milimani, Kitale, only to find that the governor was not at home. The team then proceeded to Nairobi, where Natembeya was arrested at his residence.
Following his arrest, Governor Natembeya was taken to the EACC’s headquarters at Integrity Centre, where he was questioned extensively regarding the alleged financial irregularities. Investigators are probing misuse of public funds, suspicious procurement contracts, and possible conflict of interest involving county officials and companies said to be linked to the governor’s associates.
Sources close to the investigation indicate that the EACC began monitoring suspicious transactions within Trans Nzoia County several months ago, culminating in Monday’s coordinated swoop. The Ksh1.4 billion in question reportedly spans various departments within the county government, including health, roads, and procurement.
The anticipated arraignment at the Milimani Law Courts marks a significant moment in the national anti-corruption war, particularly as Natembeya is a high-profile political figure and a vocal critic of government inefficiency and corruption. His arrest has sparked mixed reactions, with some political allies terming it a politically motivated witch hunt, while others have called for accountability and transparency.
If formally charged, Natembeya could face multiple counts under the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, which could lead to severe legal consequences, including fines, imprisonment, and possible suspension from office.
The EACC has yet to issue an official statement on the full scope of the charges, but the case is expected to draw national attention as it unfolds in court.
