EACC Statement On Search at Governor George Natembeya Home in Kitale

Today, Monday, 19th May 2025, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), upon obtaining search warrants, conducted searches at the residences and offices of Governor George Natembeya and four others in relation to alleged irregular procurement and fictitious payments of Kes 1.4 Billion by the County Government of Trans-Nzoia during the Financial Years 2022/2023 and 2024/2025.

The search operation is part of a wider investigation into allegations of procurement irregularities, abuse of office, bribery, and fraudulent acquisition of public funds. The investigations focus on three major projects awarded by the County Government:

1. Rehabilitation and Modernisation of Kenyatta Stadium (Phase 1A) - awarded to Parbat Siyan Construction Limited
2. Construction of the Trans-Nzoia County Headquarters Offices - awarded to C.M. Construction Company Limited
3. Construction of Tom Mboya Hospital - awarded to Session Blue Contractors Limited

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

The persons of interest include:

1. George Natembeya, Governor of Trans-Nzoia County
2. Emanuel Masungo - Chief Officer, Finance
3. Dorothy Nyukuri - Chief Officer, Water
4. Eliyah Liambula - Director, Procurement
5. Desmond Shivachi - Contractor/Proxy to the Governor

In addition, the Commission is probing allegations of money laundering and accumulation of unexplained wealth by senior county officials, suspected to be part of a broader scheme to conceal the proceeds of crime.

The search operation has resulted in the recovery of critical evidentiary material to support ongoing investigations.

Unfortunately, during today’s operation at Governor Natembeya’s residence in Kitale, Commission vehicles were vandalized by a group of rowdy youths. The Commission strongly condemns the violence directed at its officers while lawfully executing their mandate. It is an offence punishable by law for any person to obstruct a Commission Officer while undertaking investigations.

This act of hooliganism is unacceptable and a direct affront to the rule of law. The Commission affirms that it is an independent constitutional body operating strictly within its mandate and will continue to discharge its duties with professionalism and integrity.

ABDI A. MOHAMUD, MBS SECRETARY/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Tuangamize Ufisadl, Tujenge Kenya