'Intimidation tactics': Natembeya allies condemn governor's arrest by EACC

Political leaders allied to Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya’s have criticised his arrest on Monday by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over the alleged embezzlement of county funds.

The county boss, an outspoken opposition politician, was arrested and questioned at the EACC headquarters in Nairobi over accusations of fraudulently acquiring Ksh.1.4 billion county funds.

Led by Democratic Action Party (DAP-Kenya) leader Eugene Wamalwa, the politicians termed the incident a suppression of the country’s opposition.

“We do not want the opposition harassed and intimidated through the weaponisation of our justice system,” Wamalwa said, adding that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Mumias East Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Salasya are also victims of the “harassment.”

Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Hamisi critised the anti-graft agency for what he called “draconian” use of security officers to raid people’s homes “without substantial evidence.”

“I condemn strongly the arbitrary raid on Governor Natembeya’s homes in Kitale and Nairobi. It must stop with immediate effect and an explanation given to the people of Trans Nzoia,” Hamisi said.

Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni added: “There is a proper way of arresting people. Why cause all the mayhem?”

EACC officers had earlier raided Natembeya's home in Kitale.

The commission says it is investigating allegations of procurement irregularities, abuse of office, and bribery, believed to have occurred in the 2022/2023 to 2024/2025 financial years.

EACC says that the incidents relate to three major county projects, among them the rehabilitation and modernisation of Kenyatta Stadium, the construction of the county headquarters offices, and the construction of Tom Mboya Hospital.

The commission is therefore conducting a search operation, targeting offices and residences of various persons of interest, including Natembeya's. 

Additionally, EACC said it is probing allegations of money laundering and accumulation of unexplained wealth by senior county officials suspected to be part of a broader scheme to conceal the proceeds of crime.

Alongside Natembeya, the other persons of interest include Emmanuel Masungo, Dorothy Nyukuri, Eliyah liambula, and Desmond Shivachi, who are the chief officer of finance, chief officer of water, director of procurement, and a contactor, respectively.