The National Police Service (NPS) has announced the apprehension of five individuals involved in the destruction of vehicles belonging to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) on Monday, May 19.
The individuals were part of the group of supporters that deflated the tyres of five vehicles belonging to DCI and EACC officials who had raided Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya's home on that day to search.
In a statement on Saturday, May 24, the police confirmed that the individuals were apprehended in Kitale town and will face charges of malicious property damage, among other things.
"Following this incident, a targeted police operation was launched within Kitale town to identify and apprehend those responsible," NPS stated.
"As a result, five individuals were apprehended today, 24th May 2025, in connection with the offence. They are expected to face charges of malicious damage to property, among other related offences," it added.
According to the police, the five individuals are currently in custody and are aiding investigations to track other individuals who facilitated the destruction of the vehicles.
"The operation remains active as efforts continue to trace additional individuals linked to the incident. The apprehended individuals are currently in custody and are assisting police with investigations," it stated.
The raid, which led to the governor's apprehension, targeted the governor's home and four others. According to the EACC, the raid was related to 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.
Following the raid, county residents flocked to the scene and confronted the officers while chanting the governor's signature slogan, 'Tawe Movement'.
Later that day, the residents were also seen blocking the Eldoret-Kitale highway using stones and tyres, preventing motorists from using the busy road, as they protested the apprehension of the Governor.
The residents further stormed and brought activities in Kitale town to a standstill, where they were heard singing songs of praise to the governor and the national anthem, "Natembeya, we love you so much, forever," the residents sang repeatedly.
Governor Natembeya, who faces two counts of conflict of interest and one count of unlawful acquisition of public property, was released on Tuesday, May 20, on a Ksh1 million bond or a cash bail of Ksh500,000. Natembeya was further barred from accessing his office for the next 60 days.
