Fresh details have emerged following dramatic scenes outside Governor George Natembeya’s Kitale home, where an attempted search by Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) officers was violently disrupted by residents.
On Monday mid-morning, tensions escalated after irate locals reportedly vandalized EACC vehicles and punctured their tyres, disrupting what appeared to be a search operation.
According to a source who spoke to TNX Africa, the officers arrived with bags in hand, gained entry into the governor’s Milimani residence, but were stopped in their tracks by residents who suspected foul play.
"The officers were seen entering the house carrying bags and carting out items, which is when the locals intervened. People suspected that the officers intended to plant things in the house, so they blocked the two exits," the source claimed.
Stranded for over two hours, the EACC officials were eventually evacuated from the scene in police Land Cruisers to avoid further confrontation.
"It took the effort of the area MCA to calm the residents down and allow the officers to leave, but they had to be moved in police cars because their vehicles were damaged," the source added.
Governor Natembeya was not in the house at the time of the search.
The DAP-K Party, under which Natembeya was elected, had earlier issued a statement confirming they were aware of the looming raid.
“A heavy contingent of plain-clothed, masked police officers gained access to Governor George Natembeya’s home. Such Moi-era tactics won’t work in today’s Kenya. Stop using state machinery to settle political scores,” the party said in a strongly worded statement.
Eugene Wamalwa on DCI raid at the home of Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya
— The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya) May 19, 2025
Video By Osinde Obare pic.twitter.com/pzuRysp0Zj
Natembeya, known for spearheading the Tawe Movement, has positioned himself as a vocal critic of President William Ruto’s administration and the recent political realignment between Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Earlier this year, the governor made headlines after challenging President Ruto’s decision to abolish the vetting process for national ID registration in Northern Kenya.
“I am humbly requesting, with total humility, that instead of abolishing the process, we streamline it, vet the committees and compensate them, to ensure Kenyans get their IDs while safeguarding national security,” Natembeya said during the burial of former IEBC chair Wafula Chebukati.
Tensions surrounding the governor have been mounting in recent months.
Just days before Chebukati’s burial, Natembeya’s convoy was attacked during a requiem mass at the late official’s home.
His driver, Kaitano Siphas, was injured while shielding the governor from a barrage of stones. Two police officers were also hurt in the melee.
In a statement shared on X, EACC CEO Abdi Mahmoud confirmed the raid, saying it is part of a broader investigation involving allegations of procurement irregularities, abuse of office, bribery, and fraudulent acquisition of public funds.
ALLEGATIONS OF IRREGULAR PROCUREMENT AND FICTITIOUS PAYMENTS OF KES 1.4 BILLION BY SENIOR TRANS-NZOIA COUNTY GOVERNMENT
— EACC (@EACCKenya) May 19, 2025
OFFICIALS. pic.twitter.com/fQz8nfje5Y
"The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), upon obtaining search warrants, conducted searches at the residences and offices of Governor George Natembeya and four others in relation to alleged irregular procurement and fictitious payments of Kes 1.4 Billion by the County Government of Trans-Nzoia during the Financial Years 2022/2023 and 2024/2025."
"The Governor is alleged to have influenced award of tenders and received kickbacks from contractors through proxies," the statement continued.
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