Tension flared outside the Milimani Law Courts on Tuesday, June 3, after several individuals associated with Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya were dramatically arrested by unidentified persons.
Videos from the scene showed a chaotic moment as a man, reportedly linked to Natembeya’s team, was forcefully bundled into a vehicle.
In the ensuing melee, others at the scene attempted to intervene, but were unable to prevent the arrest.
According to the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), among those taken were John Chigi Makhanu, Member of County Assembly for Sinyereri Ward, and Emmanuel Wanjala, the Governor’s Personal Assistant.
Others are Felix Sialo, Director of Communications; Martin Waliula, Chairman of the Nawiri Programme; and Dean Frank, the Governor’s Protocol Officer.
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“They were forcefully seized, together with an unidentified individual, and bundled into unmarked Subaru vehicles in full view of police officers stationed at the court premises. Disturbingly, no action was taken to prevent or respond to this brazen act,” a statement from Natembeya’s entourage read.
The motive behind the arrests remains unclear, and there has been no official comment from the National Police Service (NPS) on the incident.
Natembeya was at the Milimani Law Court for the mention of his Ksh1.4 billion corruption case.
The court granted the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) 16 more days to complete investigations and present evidence against the governor.
Natembeya was arrested on Monday, May 19, and later arraigned in court over allegations of conflict of interest and corruption.
According to the charge sheet presented in court, Natembeya is accused of knowingly acquiring money from individuals and companies doing business with the County Government of Trans Nzoia.
In the first count, the prosecution alleges that the county boss received Ksh1.1 million from the proprietor of an entity that did business with the county government.
In the second count, Natembeya is similarly accused of financial misconduct involving a different entity.
"Between 1st January, 2023 and 30th April 2025 within the Republic of Kenya, being an agent of a public body, to wit the Governor of the County Government of Trans Nzoia, you knowingly acquired an indirect pecuniary interest in the sum of Ksh2,124,668 from Emmanuel Wafula Masungo, the beneficial owner of Easterly Winds Limited, which traded with the County Government of Trans-Nzoia," the charge sheet further read.
