Police have arrested 14 individuals in connection with the chaos, vandalism, and obstruction of justice that marred a raid on the Kitale residence of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya on Monday, May 19.
The morning raid, led by Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) detectives alongside officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the National Police Service, was part of an ongoing investigation into alleged procurement irregularities and fraudulent payments amounting to Sh1.4 billion across the 2022–2023 and 2024–2025 fiscal years.
The operation began around 7 a.m. in Milimani, Kitale, and was conducted under court-issued search warrants.
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Governor Natembeya was not present at the time, as he was reportedly in Nairobi, where he was later arrested and taken to the EACC’s Integrity Centre for questioning.
Tensions quickly escalated when word of the raid spread, prompting a crowd of supporters and residents to gather at the governor’s home.
The situation turned chaotic as irate youths vandalized at least eight government vehicles belonging to EACC and police officers, deflated their tires, and barricaded nearby roads. Officers used tear gas to disperse the crowd and secure a safe exit.
In a statement issued Thursday, the DCI confirmed the arrest of 14 suspects following a joint operation by Trans Nzoia West police and detectives from the DCI Headquarters Operations Unit.
“The suspects are in custody and will be arraigned to face charges of malicious damage to property and unlawful obstruction of EACC officers from discharging their duties,” the DCI said.
Authorities also revealed that investigations are ongoing, with more arrests expected. Detectives are actively pursuing additional suspects believed to be financiers, facilitators, and ringleaders behind the incident.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has ordered a separate probe into the destruction of government property during the raid.
The raid and subsequent arrest of the governor have triggered a political storm, with several leaders from the region condemning the move as politically orchestrated.
However, the EACC maintains that the investigation is anchored in evidence and is part of a broader campaign to curb corruption in county governments.
“This is a lawful and evidence-driven anti-corruption operation. Political narratives must not be used to shield accountability,” an EACC official said.
The events have sparked fresh debate about the intersection of anti-corruption efforts and politics, especially in counties where high-ranking officials are facing scrutiny over financial mismanagement.