The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), in collaboration with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), has arrested over 20 officials from Trans Nzoia County for obstructing a lawful operation.
The arrests were confirmed on Tuesday, June 3, following a chaotic scene at Milimani Law Courts, where individuals linked to Governor George Natembeya were forcibly taken away in a dramatic scuffle captured on video. Men in suits clashed with officers as they attempted to prevent arrests immediately after the mention of Governor Natembeya’s case.
According to the EACC, senior county officials interfered with its officers executing a court order related to a corruption probe involving Ksh1.46 billion in alleged procurement fraud, bribery, and abuse of office between 2022 and 2025. A prior search on May 19 at Governor Natembeya’s Kitale residence had already turned violent, with MCAs and county staff allegedly inciting the public, damaging five government vehicles worth Ksh12.1 million, and obstructing justice.
Among those arrested are Sinyerere Ward MCA John Chigi Makhanu, Governor’s Protocol Officer Frank Kuyala Wabwire, and former Motosiet Ward MCA Bernard Muganda. Muganda was arrested on Monday, with the others nabbed during Tuesday’s altercation. All 24 suspects are expected to be arraigned at the Kitale Law Courts today.
EACC reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on obstruction and affirmed its commitment to pursuing justice without intimidation or interference. The agency warned that any attempts to hinder lawful investigations or damage public property would be met with the full force of the law.
