Natembeya detained in custody pending arraignment over alleged embezzlement of Sh1.4 billion county funds
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya spent his Monday night in custody pending arraignment over the alleged embezzlement of county funds.
He had been arrested by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) in Nairobi for statement recording.
The commission had gotten consent to charge him over the Sh1.4 billion probe.
It’s not clear what charges he will face.
After spending the better part of the day at Integrity Center on Monday May 19, Natembeya was detained in custody pending arraignment on Tuesday.
The Commission said it is investigating allegations of procurement irregularities, abuse of office and bribery.
His arrest sparked protests in Nairobi and Kitale with anti-riot police using tear gas canisters to disperse the protesters.
EACC said the arrest is linked to fraudulent acquisition of Sh1.4 billion.
The alleged irregularities are believed to have occurred in the 2022/2023 to 2024/2025 Financial Years.
EACC says that the incidents relate to three major county projects, among them the rehabilitation and modernisation of Kenyatta Stadium (Phase 1A), the construction of the county headquarters offices and the construction of Tom Mboya Hospital.
The Commission was conducting a search operation, targeting offices and residences of various persons of interest, including Natembeya’s.
“The Governor is alleged to have influenced award of tenders and received kickbacks from contractors through proxies,” the Commission said.
EACC officers had earlier raided Natembeya’s home in Kitale, prompting ridicule from DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa.
“We will not allow harassment of the opposition and the weaponizing of our justice system,” he said.
He added that the same harassment is being subjected to other opposition members, among them Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua and Mumias East Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Salasya.
There were chaos outside the governor’s home as locals resisted their attempts to search the house.
The residents vandalised EACC cars.
EACC CEO Abdi Mohamud said the search operation resulted in the recovery of critical evidentiary material to support ongoing investigations.
“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,” he said.
This act of hooliganism is unacceptable and a direct affront to the rule of law, he added.
DCI is investigating the incident.
Other sources said sleuths are likely to arrest a senior politician and former Cabinet Secretary for inciting goons to obstruct EACC investigators and to vandalize public property.