NAIROBI – The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya over allegations of embezzlement and procurement irregularities amounting to Ksh.1.4 billion.
Governor Natembeya was presented to the EACC headquarters in Nairobi on Monday morning for statement recording, according to his lawyer Ndegwa Njiru.
However, Njiru raised concerns over denied legal access, claiming that Natembeya is being held without contact with his defense team.
“They have locked in our client, but we are not able to access him or give him any legal counsel on the process that is currently being undertaken,” Njiru stated outside the EACC offices.
EACC said the arrest follows an ongoing investigation into procurement fraud, abuse of office, and bribery tied to three key county projects:
- Rehabilitation and Modernization of Kenyatta Stadium (Phase 1A)
- Construction of County Headquarters Offices
- Construction of Tom Mboya Hospital
These alleged financial misdeeds are believed to have occurred during the 2022/2023 to 2024/2025 financial years. The Commission alleges that the governor influenced tender awards and received kickbacks through proxies.
In tandem with Natembeya’s arrest, EACC officers launched search operations at multiple sites, including his official residence in Kitale, as well as other offices and homes of persons of interest.
Natembeya’s arrest has stirred political tensions, drawing sharp reactions from opposition leaders. Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) party leader Eugene Wamalwa decried the move as political persecution.
“We will not allow harassment of the opposition and the weaponizing of our justice system,” Wamalwa said.
He cited similar actions against other opposition politicians, including Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP)leader Rigathi Gachagua and Mumias East MP Peter Salasya, accusing the government of using anti-graft agencies to settle political scores.
Meanwhile, supporters of Natembeya gathered outside the EACC offices in Nairobi, chanting slogans and calling for his immediate release.
As of now, the governor remains in EACC custody pending further interrogation, while the legal and political battles surrounding his case continue to intensify.
For ongoing updates on this developing story, stay tuned to Uzalendo News.
By Kelly Were
