The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on Tuesday confirmed the apprehension of over 20 officers from Trans Nzoia County on accusations of obstruction of duty.
This includes the arrests made at the Milimani Law Courts on the same day, where officers linked to the county governor were reportedly forcefully taken away by unknown individuals.
EACC confirmed that, together with detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), they were behind the scuffle that ensued immediately after the mention of Governor George Natembeya's case, as men in suits engaged in what appeared to be a physical altercation outside the Milimani Law Courts.
"The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), in liaison with police officers from the Integrity Police Station, have today, 3rd June 2025, arrested senior public officials from the County Government of Trans Nzoia for obstructing EACC officers while executing a lawful court order," the commission confirmed.
According to EACC, they managed to nab John Chigi Makhanu (MCA, Sinyerere Ward), Frank Kuyala Wabwire (Governor’s Protocol Officer), and Bernard Muganda (former MCA, Motosiet Ward), who was nabbed on Monday. The three officials will be arraigned today at Kitale Law Courts.
"24 suspects were arrested and charged with various offences at Kitale Law Courts; Hon. Bernard Muganda (former MCA, Motosiet Ward) was arrested yesterday, while Hon. John Chigi Makhanu (MCA, Sinyerere Ward) and Mr Frank Kuyala Wabwire (Governor’s Protocol Officer) were apprehended today," the commission added.
In videos obtained by Kenyans.co.ke, one man, believed to belong to Natembeya's team, could be seen getting bundled into a car as other men tried to block officers from apprehending him, during Tuesday's scuffle.
The scuffle attracted the attention of a crowd, particularly because the apprehended individuals could be heard screaming that they were being forcefully taken away.
On May 19, 2025, EACC officers, armed with a court-issued search warrant, conducted a search operation at the residence of Governor Natembeya in Kitale.
The operation was part of an investigation into procurement irregularities, abuse of office, bribery, and the fraudulent acquisition of Ksh1.46 billion between 2022 and 2025.
During the operation, Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) and senior county officials allegedly incited the public, resulting in the obstruction of officers, assault on law enforcement, and the vandalism of five government vehicles valued at Ksh12.1 million.
Meanwhile, EACC affirmed that it will not tolerate obstruction of justice or the destruction of public property in the execution of its lawful mandate.
