Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya was arrested on Monday, May 19, at his residence in Nairobi by officers from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) in connection with alleged embezzlement and fictitious payments totaling Ksh1.4 billion.
The arrest follows an investigation into irregular procurement and abuse of office within the Trans-Nzoia County Government during the financial years 2022/2023 and 2024/2025.
According to a statement released by the EACC, Natembeya and four other senior county officials are under investigation for their roles in suspicious payments made in relation to three major public projects.
These include the rehabilitation and modernisation of Kenyatta Stadium (Phase 1A), which was awarded to Parbat Siyan Construction Limited.
The second project under scrutiny is the construction of the Trans-Nzoia County Headquarters Offices, awarded to C.M. Construction Company Limited.
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The third involves the construction of Tom Mboya Hospital, which was awarded to Session Blue Contractors Limited.
The EACC alleges that the governor improperly influenced the award of tenders and received kickbacks through proxies.
Others listed as persons of interest include Chief Officer for Finance Emanuel Masungo, Chief Officer for Water Dorothy Nyukuri, and Director of Procurement Eliyah Liambula.
Additionally, Desmond Shivachi, identified as a contractor and proxy to the governor, is also among the persons of interest.
EACC is also probing allegations of money laundering and unexplained wealth, suggesting a broader scheme to conceal the proceeds of crime.
"In addition, the Commission is probing allegations of money laundering and accumulation of unexplained wealth by senior county officials, suspected to be part of a broader scheme to conceal the proceeds of crime," the statement read.
According to the commission, during Monday’s search operation, critical evidence was reportedly recovered to support ongoing investigations.
Speaking to the press outside the EACC Headquarters in Nairobi, lawyer Ndegwa Njiru, who is representing Natembeya, expressed frustration over restricted access to his client.
“They brought our client to the EACC Headquarters, but unfortunately, we are not being allowed by the EACC officers to access our client. They are saying they have brought him in for a statement recording, but he is not allowed to access any legal facility by the EACC.
“When we asked them why we are not able to access our client, they said that the director in charge of investigations is the one to decide whether or not the advocates will access their clients," he said.
