By Grace Gilo
On Monday, 19th May 2025, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), upon obtaining search warrants, conducted searches at the residences and offices of the Trans Nzoia County Governor, George Natembeya and four others.
According to the EACC, the raid was in relation to alleged irregular procurement and fictitious payments of Kes 1.4 billion by the County Government of Trans-Nzoia during the Financial Years 2022/2023 and 2024/2025.
“The search operation is part of a wider investigation into allegations of procurement irregularities, abuse of office, bribery, and fraudulent acquisition of public funds,” read EACC’s statement in part.
Additionally, EACC noted that investigations focus on three major projects awarded by the County Government: Rehabilitation and Modernization of Kenyatta Stadium (Phase 1A) – awarded to Parbat Siyan Construction Limited, Construction of the Trans-Nzoia County Headquarters Offices – awarded to C.М. Construction Company Limited and Construction of Tom Mboya Hospital awarded to Session Blue Contractors Limited.
The Governor is alleged to have influenced the award of tenders and received kickbacks from contractors through proxies.
The persons of interest include;
- George Natembeya, Governor of Trans-Nzoia County
- Emanuel Masungo – Chief Officer, Finance
- Dorothy Nyukuri – Chief Officer, Water
- Eliyah Liambula – Director, Procurement
- Desmond Shivachi -Contractor/Proxy to the Governor
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 search operation has resulted in the recovery of critical evidentiary material to support ongoing investigations,” revealed Abdi A. Mohamud, EACC’s Chief Executive.
“Unfortunately, during today’s operation at Governor Natembeya’s residence in Kitale, Commission vehicles were vandalized by a group of rowdy youths… It is an offence punishable by law for any person to obstruct a Commission Officer while undertaking investigations,” added the Commission.