EACC Raids Trans Nzoia Governor’s Home in Sh1.4 Billion Procurement Fraud Investigation

Why EACC Arrested Natembeya

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) conducted searches at Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya’s residence and offices on Monday, May 19, 2025, as part of an investigation into alleged irregular procurement and fictitious payments of Ksh 1.4 billion.

According to an official EACC statement, the operation, which began before 8 am, was executed after obtaining search warrants in relation to a wider investigation into procurement irregularities, abuse of office, bribery, and fraudulent acquisition of public funds.

The investigation focuses on three major projects awarded by the Trans Nzoia 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 C.M. Construction Company Limited
– Construction of Tom Mboya Hospital awarded to Session Blue Contractors Limited

“The Governor is alleged to have influenced award of tenders and received kickbacks from contractors through proxies,” the EACC statement reads.

The search operation turned violent when angry residents stormed Natembeya’s Milimani home in Kitale town. More than five EACC vehicles were damaged during the confrontation, with stones thrown and tires deflated.

A vehicle that was destroyed after EACC raided the home of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.

Additional police officers were deployed to the scene to restore order.

The EACC strongly condemned the violence, stating: “This act of hooliganism is unacceptable and a direct affront to the rule of law. It is an offence punishable by law for any person to obstruct a Commission Officer while undertaking investigations.”

Besides Governor Natembeya, other persons of interest in the investigation include Emanuel Masungo (Chief Officer, Finance), Dorothy Nyukuri (Chief Officer, Water), Eliyah Liambula (Director, Procurement), and Desmond Shivachi, identified as a contractor and alleged proxy to the Governor.

The Commission is also investigating allegations of money laundering and accumulation of unexplained wealth by senior county officials.

EACC CEO Abdi Mohamud confirmed that the search operation has yielded “critical evidentiary material” to support ongoing investigations.

Governor Natembeya was reportedly not at his residence during the raid, which lasted over two hours.

The investigation covers financial activities during the 2022/2023 and 2024/2025 financial years.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​