Fourteen individuals have been arrested in Kitale, Trans-Nzoia County, following a violent protest that erupted during a raid on the residence of Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya. The raid, conducted on Monday, May 19, 2025, by officers from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), turned chaotic when residents clashed with law enforcement officials at the governor’s Milimani home.
According to a statement issued by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspects are being held in connection with the obstruction of EACC officers who were carrying out official duties. The protest led to the destruction of several government vehicles and prompted an extensive investigation. Authorities confirmed that five vehicles belonging to both police and EACC were damaged during the confrontation.
DCI indicated that the operation was conducted by a multi-agency team comprising local police units in Trans Nzoia West and detectives from the DCI Headquarters Operations Unit. The arrested individuals face charges related to malicious damage to property and theft during the raid.
Among those apprehended are Leon Ikua, Brian Mutonyi, James Maina, Churchill Ambula, Chirispus Kingara, Joseph Kakanja, Daniel Kanyingi, Levy Kiprotich, John Kamau, Benjamin Bukhala, Lavingtone Kipkemboi, Isaac Nyongesa Wanyonyi Wasike, Tonny Wafula Wasike, and Ismael Juma.
Law enforcement officials emphasized that investigations are still ongoing, with more arrests expected. Authorities are now focusing on identifying and apprehending additional suspects, including those believed to have financed, facilitated, or orchestrated the protest.
The unrest began early Monday morning when EACC officials arrived at the governor’s residence around 5:00 am to conduct investigations related to allegations of corruption and financial misconduct in the county government. The presence of the officials, accompanied by a few anti-riot police officers, attracted a crowd of residents who soon turned hostile. Protesters reportedly tried to force their way into the compound, resulting in running battles with police.
During the chaos, four EACC vehicles had their windows smashed and tyres deflated. Despite the presence of law enforcement, the mob managed to carry out acts of vandalism, leading to condemnation from the EACC. The commission expressed concern over the obstruction of their operations, stating that such actions were unlawful and would not go unpunished.
The ongoing EACC probe is centered around procurement irregularities involving approximately Ksh1.4 billion in public funds. The investigations span three years, from 2022 to 2025, and focus on three major county projects: the rehabilitation and modernisation of Kenyatta Stadium (Phase 1A), the construction of the Trans Nzoia County headquarters, and the establishment of Tom Mboya Hospital.
These projects, according to EACC, are suspected of being riddled with fraudulent procurement practices and possible misappropriation of funds. The raid on Governor Natembeya’s residence was part of broader efforts to gather evidence and question individuals connected to the allegations.
As the operation continues, authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring accountability in public office, warning that those found culpable whether through direct action or support of the protest will be prosecuted according to the law.
