Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) officers arrested Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya on Monday morning in connection with the alleged embezzlement of Sh1.4 billion in county funds.

The arrest followed a dramatic raid at Natembeya’s Milimani home in Kitale, where armed police officers escorted EACC agents from Nairobi.

A warrant had been issued to search the residence and question the governor. Police dispersed a crowd that had gathered outside the compound during the operation.

Natembeya’s lawyer, Ndegwa Njiru, said the governor was taken to the EACC headquarters in Nairobi for questioning but has since been denied legal access.

“They have locked in our client, but we are not able to access him or give him any legal counsel on the process that is currently being undertaken,” said Njiru.

EACC confirmed that Natembeya is being investigated over alleged procurement irregularities, abuse of office and bribery tied to three major projects during the 2022/2023 to 2024/2025 Financial Years.

These include the rehabilitation of Kenyatta Stadium (Phase 1A), the construction of the county headquarters offices and the building of Tom Mboya Hospital.

“The Governor is alleged to have influenced the award of tenders and received kickbacks from contractors through proxies,” said the Commission.

The Commission added that search operations are ongoing at the homes and offices of other persons of interest.

Natembeya has been a vocal critic of the government, a stance his Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) claimed triggered the raid.

The party condemned the operation in a social media post, calling it an abuse of power.

“A heavy contingent of police officers in plain clothes, well-masked, have gained access to Governor George Natembeya’s Milimani home in Kitale. Such Moi tactics won’t work in current times,” the party stated.

DAP-K added that weaponising independent offices to frustrate political opponents would be resisted.

“The plans to arrest DPL Governor George Natembeya over his people-centric stance under TAWE shall not be allowed,” the post added.

DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa also criticised the arrest, linking it to a broader pattern of harassment targeting opposition politicians.

“We will not allow harassment of the opposition and the weaponising of our justice system,” said Wamalwa.

He noted that other leaders, including Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) head Rigathi Gachagua and Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya, have faced similar treatment.