By Team
Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has conducted a raid at the residence and office of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and four others over alleged irregular procurement and fictitious payments of Sh 1.4 billion by the county government.
The alleged financial improprieties were committed during the financial years 2022/2023 and 2024/2025.
But the raid was hampered by protests by a section of residents who not only deflated the tyres of vehicles belonging to the officers but also engaged in violent protest.
Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of EACC, Mr Abdi A. Mohammed, said the search operation was part of a wider investigation into allegations of procurement irregularities, abuse of office, bribery, and fraudulent acquisition of public funds.
He said the investigations focused on three major projects awarded by the county government:
“Rehabilitation and modernisation of Kenyatta Stadium (Phase 1A) – awarded to Parbat Siyan Construction Limited.
Construction of the Trans Nzoia County Headquarters Offices – awarded to CM Construction Company Limited.
Construction of Tom Mboya Hospital – awarded to Session Blue Contractors Limited,” he said.
He said the governor was alleged to have influenced the award of tenders and received kickbacks from contractors through proxies.
The persons of interest included George Natembeya, Governor, Trans Nzoia; Emanuel Masungo, Chief Officer, Finance; Dorothy Nyakuri, Chief Officer, Water; Eliyah Liambula, Director, Procurement; and Desmond Shivachi, Contractor / Proxy to the Governor.
“In addition, the Commission is probing allegations of money laundering and accumulation of unexplained wealth by senior county officials, suspected to be part of a broader scheme to conceal the proceeds of crime,” he said.
He said the search operation resulted in the recovery of critical evidentiary material to support ongoing investigations.
“Unfortunately, during today’s operation at Governor Natembeya’s residence in Kitale, Commission vehicles were vandalised by a group of rowdy youths.
The Commission strongly condemns the violence directed at its officers while lawfully executing their mandate. It is an offence punishable by law for any person to obstruct a Commission officer while undertaking investigations.
This act of hooliganism is unacceptable and a direct affront to the rule of law. The Commission affirms that it is an independent constitutional body operating strictly within its mandate and will continue to discharge its duties,” he said
