EACC, Armed Police Raid Governor Natembeya’s Kitale Home Amid Political Tensions
A dramatic scene unfolded in Kitale on Monday morning after armed police officers raided the Milimani residence of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, sparking public concern and political outrage.
The officers were accompanying officials from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), who had reportedly traveled from Nairobi with a search warrant and an intent to interrogate the governor as part of an ongoing investigation.
Although the specific details of the probe remain unclear, EACC sources confirmed that Governor Natembeya is under investigation.
As news of the raid spread, a crowd quickly gathered outside the governor’s home. Police moved swiftly to disperse the onlookers, who had flocked to the residence in support of the embattled county boss.
Opposition Cries Foul: “This is Political”
The incident came just a day after several opposition leaders alleged that there were plans in motion to arrest Natembeya, who has been a vocal critic of the Kenya Kwanza government. His outspoken stance under the TAWE Movement has made him one of the most visible and defiant opposition figures in the Rift Valley region.
The Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), under which Natembeya serves, issued a strongly worded statement condemning the raid and framing it as an abuse of power.
“A heavy contingent of police officers in plain clothes, well-masked, have gained access to Governor George Natembeya’s Milimani home in Kitale,” the party posted on its social media platforms.
“Such Moi-era tactics won’t work in today’s Kenya. Stop using security apparatus to settle political scores.”
“Weaponisation of Institutions Will Be Resisted”
DAP-K further accused the state of weaponising independent institutions such as the EACC to intimidate and silence leaders who hold alternative political views.
“The weaponisation of independent offices to frustrate and humiliate those with alternative political stands shall be met with full resistance by the people,” the statement read.
“The plans to arrest DPL Governor George Natembeya over his people-centric stance under TAWE shall not be allowed.”
As of Monday afternoon, neither the EACC nor the National Police Service had issued a formal statement on the reasons for the raid or whether any evidence was seized from the governor’s residence.
Governor Natembeya has not yet commented publicly on the incident.
