14 arrested in connection with protest over Natembeya’s home raid in Kitale
Police officers have arrested 14 people in Kitale in Trans-Nzoia County following a standoff between residents and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) officials who had raided Governor George Natembeya’s Milimani home in Kitale on Monday, May 19, 2025.
In a statement on Thursday, May 22, 2025, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) revealed that they were holding the 14 youth in connection to the standoff that led to the destruction of five vehicles belonging to police and EACC.
“Investigations into the violent incident that occurred during which officers from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) were unlawfully obstructed while carrying out their official duties have yielded significant progress,” DCI stated.
Taken into custody
“The multi-agency team comprising local law enforcement officers in Trans Nzoia West, augmented by detectives from DCI Headquarters Operations Unit, conducted an operation that led to the arrest of 14 suspects connected to acts of malicious damage and stealing at the residence of Trans Nzoia County Governor.”
The arrested individuals are Leon Ikua, Brian Mutonyi, James Maina, Churchill Ambula, Chirispus Kingara, Joseph Kakanja, Daniel Kanyingi, Levy Kiprotich, John Kamau, Benjamin Bukhala, Lavingtone Kipkemboi, Isaac Nyongesa Wanyonyi Wasike, Tonny Wafula Wasike and Ismael Juma.
Police equally disclosed that investigations are ongoing to arrest other individuals believed to be involved in the incident at the governor’s residence.
“The operation is ongoing, with efforts currently focused on apprehending additional suspects, including financiers, facilitators, and ring leaders behind the incident,” DCI stated.
Cars vandalised
During the raid, irate residents vandalised four vehicles belonging to EACC officials who had arrived at Natembeya’s residence at 5:00 am to conduct investigations into the loss of County funds.
The cars had their windows shattered and tyres deflated even as a handful of anti-riot police officers sent to the residence watched at a distance.
Tensions began when the protesting youth attempted to gain entry into the home, and police engaged them in running battles.
In a statement later on Monday, May 19, 2025, EACC condemned the vandalism of their vehicles, warning that obstructing independent officers from conducting their job was a punishable offence.
EACC are investigating what they call procurement irregularities in Trans-Nzoia County from the year 2022-2025, involving public funds totalling Ksh1.4 billion.
The probe involves three major county projects, which include the rehabilitation and modernisation of the Kenyatta Stadium (Phase 1A), the construction of the Trans Nzoia County headquarters offices and the construction of Tom Mboya Hospital.
