Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has been arrested by officers from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) in connection with a corruption probe involving approximately Ksh 1.4 billion in public funds. The arrest took place early Monday morning at his Milimani residence in Kitale during a raid by EACC detectives.
The operation, which has sparked widespread attention, marks a dramatic turn in an ongoing investigation into alleged procurement irregularities, abuse of office, and financial misconduct within the county government. Sources indicate that the probe is centered on three high-value county projects initiated between the 2022/2023 and 2024/2025 financial years. Investigators believe the governor may have orchestrated the manipulation of tendering processes and personally benefited from kickbacks channeled through close associates.
Governor Natembeya’s legal team, led by lawyer Ndegwa Njiru, confirmed the arrest and raised concerns about being denied access to their client. Njiru claimed that EACC officers were actively blocking advocates from seeing the governor during his detention.
The investigation has not stopped with the governor alone. Several senior county officials and contractors allegedly linked to him are also under the EACC’s radar. The anti-graft body maintains that the scandal cuts across different departments and involves a complex web of financial transactions and questionable procurement decisions.
This development adds another chapter to the mounting scrutiny over the management of public funds at the county level. As the investigation unfolds, pressure is mounting for transparency and accountability from elected leaders and public servants entrusted with public resources.
