The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has confirmed the recovery of key material shards of evidence, which they believe will be used to prosecute Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya, whose home was raided by the detectives on Monday morning.
According to EACC, the Monday morning raid targeted the home of the county chief and four others concerning alleged irregular procurement and fictitious payments of Ksh1.4 billion by the County Government of Trans-Nzoia during the Financial Years 2022/2023 and 2024/2025.
The commission further confirmed that the investigations focused on three major projects awarded by the county government: the rehabilitation and modernisation of Kenyatta Stadium (phase 1A), the construction of the Trans-Nzoia County headquarters offices, and the construction of Tom Mboya Hospital.
The governor is alleged to have influenced the award of tenders and received kickbacks from contractors through proxies, with the commission narrowing in on the governor, the Chief Officer of Finance, the Chief Officer of Water, the Director of Procurement, and a contractor acting as a proxy to the governor.
''The Commission is probing allegations of money laundering and accumulation of unexplained wealth by senior county officials, accused to be part of a broader scheme to conceal the proceeds of crime,'' EACC confirmed.
Tension flared outside the residence as scores of Natembeya’s supporters flocked to the scene, confronting officers and engaging in a tense standoff.
Police had a hard time controlling the growing crowd, with additional reinforcements deployed to prevent possible escalation.
Meanwhile, the commission has condemned the chaotic scenes witnessed during the raid of Natembeya's home, where five vehicles belonging to the investigative agencies were vandalised.
EACC has warned the locals involved in the scenes that they risk being taken to court for obstruction of duty.
Additionally, it indicated that the accusations against the commission that the raid was politically motivated were untrue, maintaining that it is an independent constitutional body operating strictly within its mandate
''Unfortunately, during today's operation at Governor Natembeya's residence in Kitale, Commission vehicles were vandalised by a group of rowdy youths. The Commission strongly condemns the hooliganism directed at its officers while lawfully executing their mandate. It is an offence punishable by law for any person to obstruct a Commission Officer while undertaking investigations,'' the commission added.
''This act of hooliganism is unacceptable and a direct affront to the rule of law. The Commission affirms that it is an independent constitutional body operating strictly within its mandate and will continue to discharge its duties with professionalism and integrity.''
