Dramatic EACC Raid on Governor Natembeya’s Residence Ignites Political Firestorm in Trans Nzoia

Tensions Flare as Security Operation Descends Into Chaos; Opposition Cries Foul Over Alleged Political Witch-Hunt

Dawn Raid Sparks Chaos in Kitale

Kitale, Trans Nzoia| A high-stakes operation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and plainclothes police officers at the Milimani residence of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya erupted into chaos early Monday, May 19, 2025, triggering violent clashes and accusations of political persecution.

The 7:00 a.m. raid, conducted under heavy security, sent shockwaves through the town as residents awoke to the sound of commotion.

Within hours, the scene outside the governor’s home turned volatile, with youths clashing with officers, vandalizing four EACC vehicles, and hurling stones as police responded with tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Governor Natembeya Absent During Raid

Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, who arrived at the scene shortly after the operation began, confirmed that Governor Natembeya was in Nairobi at the time and had not been arrested.

“The governor is safe,” Wamalwa told journalists, dismissing the raid as a politically motivated stunt. “They found nothing incriminating because there was nothing to find. This is pure harassment.”

Public Outrage: Residents, Opposition Decry “State-Sponsored Intimidation”

The raid has intensified political tensions, with opposition leaders and local residents accusing the government of weaponizing anti-corruption agencies to target dissenting voices.

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka had earlier warned of a plot to arrest Natembeya, alleging that the EACC obtained a warrant with no intention of pressing formal charges.

“This is not about fighting corruption—it’s about humiliating and intimidating a political opponent,” Musyoka declared.

Saboti MP Caleb Amisi echoed the sentiment, condemning the operation as reminiscent of past dictatorships.

“We are in a democracy, not a police state. These Gestapo-style raids must stop. I demand the immediate withdrawal of officers deployed in my constituency,” Amisi stated.

Governor Natembeya’s Explosive Allegations: “They Planted Evidence”

Speaking from Nairobi, Governor Natembeya vehemently denied any wrongdoing and accused the EACC of framing him.

“The Ksh 61 million they claim to have recovered is not mine. Do they think I’m foolish enough to keep such an amount at home knowing they were coming? They brought boxes of money to plant in my house,” he charged.

His office later released a scathing statement, condemning what it called a “coordinated assault on democracy” and warning of a broader pattern of political targeting.

“We are witnessing the blatant weaponization of state agencies to settle political scores. This undermines public trust in our institutions and diverts attention from real development,” the statement read.

Development Projects at Risk Amid Political Turmoil

Natembeya’s administration highlighted key infrastructure projects that it claims are being overshadowed by the political drama:

Tom Mboya Mothers and Child Hospital: Completed, awaiting medical equipment.
Kenyatta Stadium (Phase I): Nearing completion, set to boost local sports.
County Headquarters: Final stages of construction to enhance service delivery.

“Instead of theatrics, the EACC should focus on genuine accountability. Our people deserve progress, not persecution,” the governor’s team asserted.

DCI Launches Probe Into Vandalism, Possible Arrests Loom

In the aftermath, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) announced an investigation into the destruction of EACC property and attempts to obstruct the operation.

Sources indicate that arrests could follow, with possible charges including obstruction of justice and unlawful assembly.

EACC Silent Amid Mounting Pressure

As of press time, the EACC has not issued an official statement explaining the raid or responding to Natembeya’s allegations.

The silence has only fueled speculation, with critics questioning whether the operation was legitimate or politically orchestrated.

Kenya at a Crossroads: Democracy vs. Political Repression

The incident has reignited a national debate on the independence of Kenya’s anti-graft bodies and the fine line between accountability and political persecution.

With 2027 elections looming, analysts warn that such confrontations could deepen divisions and erode faith in Kenya’s democratic institutions.

“This is not just about Trans Nzoia—it’s about whether Kenya will remain a country ruled by law or by political vendettas,” remarked a Nairobi-based political analyst.