Natembeya arrested over alleged graft

Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) detectives have arrested Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya over alleged corruption.

The Governor was apprehended Monday morning after EACC detectives raided his residence in Kitale, Milimani area.

Natembeya’s arrest was confirmed by Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru through his social media pages claiming that the officers have barred his advocates from accessing him.

“Governor Natembea ARRESTED currently at EACC…Advocates barred by the EACC officers from accessing the client,” he wrote.

The anti graft body has launched investigations into alleged procurement irregularities, abuse of office, bribery, and fraudulent acquisition of public funds totaling Ksh 1.4 Billion.

According to EACC, the alleged irregularities and fraudulent payments which span from 2022/2023 to 2024/2025 financial years center around three projects that include: Rehabilitation and Modernisation of Kenyatta Stadium (Phase 1A), construction of the Trans Nzoia County Headquarters Offices and construction of Tom Mboya Hospital.

Governor Natembeya is alleged to have influenced award of tenders and received kickbacks from contractors through proxies.

Others mentioned by the Commission as persons of interest include: Emanuel Masungo the Chief Officer Finance, Dorothy Nyukuri, Chief Officer for Water, Eliyah Liambula the Director of Procurement and Desmond Shivachi a contractor also alleged to be the governor’s proxy.