The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), in partnership with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), has escalated its crackdown on alleged corruption within Trans Nzoia County Government, resulting in the arrest of several senior officials linked to Governor George Natembeya.
The arrests, announced in a statement on June 3, 2025, come after a dramatic search operation at the governor’s residence in Kitale on May 19, 2025, as part of a wide-ranging investigation into procurement irregularities, bribery, abuse of office, and fraudulent handling of KES 1.46 billion between 2022 and 2025.
During the search, law enforcement officers faced significant resistance from Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) and senior county officials who allegedly incited public unrest. This unrest culminated in obstruction of justice, assaults on officers, and the vandalism of five government vehicles valued at over KES 12 million.
Following extensive investigations by the DCI, 24 suspects were arrested and charged with various offences at Kitale Law Courts. Among those apprehended are Bernard Muganda, former MCA for Motosiet Ward, John Chigi Makhanu, MCA for Sinyerere Ward, and Frank Kuyala Wabwire, the Governor’s Protocol Officer, who are slated for arraignment on June 4.
In a parallel move, the EACC has sought to tighten bail conditions for Governor Natembeya, who faces criminal charges linked to the same corruption probe.
According to an affidavit filed by EACC Assistant Director Emmanuel Arunga, Natembeya breached existing court orders by shifting his official duties from the county headquarters to sub-county offices in Kiminini, where key documents related to the investigation are also kept.
The commission now requests a court order barring Natembeya from accessing any county government premises, including both headquarters and sub-county offices, until the probe concludes.
This bold intervention by the EACC and DCI underscores a firm commitment to uphold the rule of law and combat corruption in public offices.
The unfolding investigation sends a clear message that no one is above the law and that the destruction of public property and obstruction of justice will not be tolerated.
As the legal process moves forward, Kenyans watch closely, hopeful that accountability will prevail in the fight against endemic corruption within county governments.
