A section of Trans Nzoia Members of County Assembly (MCAs) have accused the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) of being used by the state to frustrate Governor George Natembeya.

Natembeya was arrested on Monday, May 19, by EACC detectives who later grilled him at the Integrity Centre in Nairobi over corruption allegations against him.

While EACC said the arrest relates to KSh 1.4 billion scandal, some Trans Nzoia MCAs claim it was politically instigated.

Led by the assembly’s minority leader who is also the Saboti Ward MCA, Bonface Cheloti, the eleven ward representatives said criminal justice systems should not be used to settle political scores.

According to the MCAs, the three projects mentioned by EACC are at different stages of completion. They asked the anti-graft agency to expedite the matter so that Natembeya can continue with implementation of his campaign promises to the electorates.

"The corruption allegations are baseless, and we read malice in them. We therefore demand justice for our Governor and all the people of Trans Nzoia," the Saboti MCA said.

They further said they will stand in solidarity with the governor who was on Tuesday, May 25, arraigned before a Nairobi court to answer to the corruption charges.

The MCAs pointed out that for the over two years he has been in power, his development track record speaks for itself.

"While we execute our three constitutional mandates, we are solidly behind Governor George Natembeya, who has delivered the majority of what he promised the great people of Trans Nzoia," the MCA said.

Similar sentiments were shared by Nabiswa MCA Martin Jamanur.

Jamanur, who is also the chairman of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, said the graft allegations levelled against Natembeya were framed by some politicians who are unhappy with his style of politics.

"We want to categorically state that while we respect the criminal justice systems, we do not agree with the three allegations," he stated.

The MCAs further expressed confidence that despite the corruption allegations and court case, the county boss will continue delivering his promises to the people.

They also termed a raid on Natembeya’s home in Milimani, Kitale, as an attempt by the state to silence him.

"Natembeya has been very candid that he loves this country and that it is not a must for him to love this government. He has the freedom to associate himself with any political party," said Tuwan MCA Francis Obingo Were.

A majority of the MCAs allied to the Kenya Kwanza administration were however conspicuously missing from the press briefing held at the assembly buildings in Kitale.

Previously, reported that the anti-graft agency issued a detailed statement explaining the reason behind the raid on Governor Natembeya's home.

According to EACC, the raid and subsequent arrest of the county boss was part of an ongoing investigations over irregular payments of KSh 1.4 billion by the county government of Trans Nzoia.

It also noted that residences of four other county officials were also searched.

Source: TUKO.co.ke