EACC wants court to bar Natembeya from interfering with county operations

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is pushing for the court to impose stricter measures against Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, accusing him of flouting bail conditions imposed during his corruption trial.

In an affidavit by EACC Assistant Director Emmanuel Arunga, the Commission says Natembeya has allegedly relocated his operations from the barred Trans Nzoia County Headquarters to the Kiminini Sub-County offices — a move that EACC believes could compromise the ongoing investigations.

“Such access by the 1st accused person to the County Office or any of Sub-County Offices will not only interfere with the ongoing investigations but will also prejudice the instant criminal case against him,” reads part of the affidavit.

EACC now wants the court to expand the scope of existing bail terms to bar the governor from accessing all Sub-County offices, including Kiminini, Saboti, Endebess, Kwanza, and Cherangany — until investigations into the alleged misuse of Ksh.1.46 billion in public funds are complete.

“It is therefore in the interest of justice that the 1st accused person be barred from accessing not only the County Office as earlier ordered but also all the Sub-County Offices,” Arunga stated.

The development comes as EACC intensifies investigations into suspected procurement irregularities, abuse of office, bribery, and fraudulent acquisition of public funds amounting to Ksh.1,460,427,678.58 during the financial years 2022/2023 and 2024/2025.

The investigations triggered a dramatic raid on March 19, 2025, at Governor Natembeya’s residence in Kitale, which, despite being carried out under a court order, turned chaotic when unidentified individuals stormed the premises, vandalised five government vehicles worth Ksh.12.1 million, and stole several seized items.

EACC is currently detaining two Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) and a senior county official who are accused of inciting the public to obstruct officers during the raid.

The three include Sinyerere Ward MCA John Chigi Makhanu, former Motosiet Ward MCA Bernard Muganda, and Governor’s Protocol Officer Frank Kuyala Wabwire.

Muganda was arrested on June 2, while Makhanu and Wabwire were taken into custody on June 3 at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court during the mention of the case.

According to the Commission, the three were present at the raid scene and allegedly played roles in obstructing EACC officers and damaging government property. 

Governor Natembeya, who was arrested in May, is currently out on Ksh.500,000 cash bail or Ksh.1 million bond, and had already been barred from accessing the County Headquarters and contacting witnesses for 60 days.

EACC now argues that these conditions must be expanded to ensure no further interference with the probe, emphasising Justice Mumbi Ngugi's interpretation in the case involving Samburu Governor Moses Kasaine Lenolkulal.