Police arrest senior Trans Nzoia County officials over obstruction claims

Police arrest senior Trans Nzoia County officials over obstruction claims

Police arrested senior public officials from the County Government of Trans Nzoia for obstructing anti graft officers while executing a lawful court order.

Some of the suspects were arrested in a dramatic event outside Milimani Law Courts where governor George Natembeya was appearing for his case.

Natembeya is facing graft related charges.

On March 19, 2025, Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission (EACC) officers, armed with a court-issued search warrant, conducted a search operation at the residence of Natembeya in Kitale.

The operation was part of an investigation into procurement irregularities, abuse of office, bribery, and the fraudulent acquisition of Sh1.46 billion (2022–2025).

During the operation, Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) and senior county officials incited the public, resulting in the obstruction of officers, assault on law enforcement, and vandalism of five government vehicles valued at Sh12.1 million.

Following investigations by the DCI, at least 24 suspects were arrested and charged various offences at Kitale Law Courts.

They included Bernard Muganda (former MCA, Motosiet Ward) who was arrested Monday while John Chigi Makhanu (MCA, Sinyerere Ward) and Frank Kuyala Wabwire (Governor’s Protocol Officer) were apprehended Tuesday.

The three officials will be arraigned on June 4, 2025, at Kitale Law Courts.

EACC said it affirms that it will not tolerate obstruction of justice or destruction of public property in the execution of its lawful mandate.

The probe into the saga is ongoing.