By Phyllis Mwende
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched investigations into a violent incident that disrupted an official operation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) in Trans Nzoia County.
The EACC officers were executing court-issued search warrants targeting the residence and office of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, as well as properties linked to four other individuals.
The searches were part of ongoing investigations into alleged irregular procurement and fraudulent payments amounting to Ksh 1.4 billion. The alleged financial misconduct reportedly occurred during the years 2022/2023 and 2024/2025.
The search at Governor Natembeya’s home was being carried out in the presence of his family members, the county attorney and legal counsel when the situation became violent.
A group of unidentified individuals reportedly stormed the premises, overwhelming security personnel at the scene.
“The group unleashed chaos, maliciously damaging five EACC vehicles and stealing seized items and other valuables from the vehicles,” the EACC said in a statement.
Authorities have strongly condemned the incident, terming it an attempt to obstruct justice and interfere with the rule of law.
“This is not just an attack on EACC officers; it is an attack on the integrity of our justice system,” stated a senior investigator.
The DCI has affirmed its commitment to swiftly apprehend and prosecute those responsible.
Investigations are ongoing to identify the attackers and bring them to justice. The incident has sparked concern about the safety of officers conducting anti-corruption operations at the county level.