NAIROBI – Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has been arrested by officers from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) in connection with suspected misuse of public funds.
The Commission has launched a probe into alleged irregular procurement processes and fraudulent payments totaling KES 1.4 billion involving top officials in the county administration.
The probe targeted Governor George Natembeya and four other officials, following search operations at their residences and offices on Monday.
The EACC revealed that the investigation focuses on financial irregularities spanning the fiscal years 2022/2023 and 2024/2025.
The funds in question are linked to three major county projects: the rehabilitation and modernization of Kenyatta Stadium (Phase 1A), awarded to Parbat Siyan Construction Limited; the construction of the Trans-Nzoia County Headquarters Offices, awarded to C.M. Construction Company Limited; and the construction of Tom Mboya Hospital, awarded to Session Blue Contractors Limited.
According to the EACC, Governor Natembeya is suspected of influencing the award of tenders and receiving kickbacks through proxies.
Other persons of interest include Emanuel Masungo, Chief Officer for Finance; Dorothy Nyukuri, Chief Officer for Water; Eliyah Liambula, Director of Procurement; and Desmond Shivachi, a contractor and alleged proxy for the governor.
Mrm Abdi A. Mohamud, the Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of EACC said a search operation at Natembeya’s residence in Kitale on Monday was met with resistance, as rowdy youths vandalized EACC vehicles.
The Commission condemned the violence, labeling it an unacceptable obstruction of its mandate.
“This act of hooliganism is a direct affront to the rule of law,” said Mr. Abdi A. Mohamud.
“We will continue to discharge our duties with professionalism and integrity,” he said.
The EACC said it is also investigating allegations of money laundering and unexplained wealth among the implicated officials, suspecting these activities to be part of a broader scheme to conceal illicit proceeds.
The searches have yielded critical evidence, which the Commission says will support ongoing investigations.
The EACC has vowed to pursue the matter to its conclusion, ensuring accountability for any abuse of office, bribery, or fraudulent acquisition of public funds.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is responsible for fighting corruption, promoting ethical conduct, and enforcing integrity standards in Kenya.
The Commission works through law enforcement, education, and preventive strategies to address corruption and economic crimes.
EACC collects information from the public, government officials, private sector players, and media reports.
Kenyans can submit reports at the Integrity Centre headquarters, regional offices and at any Huduma Centre across the country.
