The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched a full-scale investigation into a violent incident in Trans Nzoia County in which officers from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) were obstructed while executing a court-sanctioned search related to a high-profile corruption probe.
According to a statement released by the DCI, EACC officers were acting on valid search warrants targeting the residence and offices of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and four other individuals implicated in suspected irregular procurement and fictitious payments totaling KSh 1.4 billion.
The alleged financial misconduct is said to have occurred during the 2022/2023 and 2024/2025 financial years.The search operation at Governor Natembeya’s residence was conducted in the presence of his family, the county attorney, and legal counsel.
However, the situation quickly escalated when an unruly mob stormed the premises, overpowering the officers’ security detail. In the ensuing chaos, the group vandalized five EACC vehicles and reportedly made away with seized evidence and other valuables from the vehicles.Authorities have condemned the incident as a serious obstruction of justice and a deliberate attempt to sabotage an ongoing legal process.
The DCI has vowed to identify and prosecute all individuals involved in the attack.“This attack is a blatant attempt to undermine the rule of law and obstruct justice,” the DCI stated, adding that investigations are already underway to track down the perpetrators.
The incident adds a dramatic twist to the ongoing corruption case involving Governor Natembeya, who was earlier arraigned at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court alongside senior county officials and a contractor alleged to be his proxy.
Security has since been heightened in Kitale and other parts of Trans Nzoia County as detectives pursue leads in the violent obstruction case.
