EACC discloses reason behind its raid on Natembeya’s residence
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has revealed that its officers raided the Kitale residence of Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya on Monday, May 19, 2025, as part of an ongoing investigation into what they termed as irregular procurement and fictitious payments totalling Ksh1.4 billion.
In an official statement issued by the Commission’s CEO Abdi Ahmed Mohamud, the EACC said:
“Today, Monday, 19th May 2025, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), upon obtaining search warrants, conducted searches at the residences and offices of Governor George Natembeya and four others in relation to alleged irregular procurement and fictitious payments of Kes 1.4 Billion by the County Government of Trans-Nzoia during the Financial Years 2022/2023 and 2024/2025.”
The EACC noted that the investigation targets three key projects undertaken by the county government, namely:
1. Rehabilitation and Modernisation of Kenyatta Stadium (Phase 1A), awarded to Parbat Siyan Construction Limited
2. Construction of the Trans-Nzoia County Headquarters Offices, awarded to C.M. Construction Company Limited
3. Construction of Tom Mboya Hospital, awarded to Session Blue Contractors Limited.
EACC claims that Natembeya influenced the award of tenders and received kickbacks from contractors through proxies.
Other individuals listed as persons of interest include:
1. Emanuel Masungo – Chief Officer, Finance
2. Dorothy Nyukuri – Chief Officer, Water
3. Eliyah Liambula – Director, Procurement
4. Desmond Shivachi – Contractor/Proxy to the Governor
The Commission also stated that it is investigating claims of money laundering and the accumulation of unexplained wealth by senior county officials.
“The search operation has resulted in the recovery of critical evidentiary material to support ongoing investigations,” the statement added.
However, the EACC expressed concern over the disruption that occurred during the operation.
“Unfortunately, during today’s operation at Governor Natembeya’s residence in Kitale, Commission vehicles were vandalized 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.”
Reaffirming its commitment to legal process and professional conduct, the Commission concluded:
“The Commission affirms that it is an independent constitutional body operating strictly within its mandate and will continue to discharge its duties with professionalism and integrity.”
Governor Natembeya has not yet issued a public response to the raid or the accusations levelled against him by the EACC.
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