EACC Arrests 24 Trans Nzoia Officials for Obstructing Anti-Corruption Probe
Nairobi, Kenya – June 4, 2025 – The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), in collaboration with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), arrested more than 20 officers from Trans Nzoia County on Tuesday for allegedly obstructing an ongoing corruption investigation.
The arrests, which included senior county officials and Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), followed a dramatic scuffle outside the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi, where suspects linked to Governor George Natembeya’s administration were forcefully taken into custody.
The EACC confirmed that the arrests were part of efforts to enforce a court order related to a probe into procurement irregularities, abuse of office, and fraudulent acquisition of public funds amounting to Ksh1.46 billion between 2022 and 2025.
Among those apprehended were John Chigi Makhanu (MCA, Sinyerere Ward), Frank Kuyala Wabwire (Governor’s Protocol Officer), and Bernard Muganda (former MCA, Motosiet Ward), who was arrested a day earlier. The suspects are set to be arraigned at the Kitale Law Courts.
The arrests sparked commotion outside the Milimani Law Courts, where individuals believed to be part of Governor Natembeya’s team were seen resisting arrest. Videos obtained by Flashnews.co.ke showed one man being forcibly bundled into a vehicle as others attempted to block law enforcement officers. Witnesses reported hearing screams from the apprehended individuals, raising concerns about the manner of their detention.
The EACC, in a statement, condemned the obstruction, stating: “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 latest arrests follow an earlier operation on May 19, 2025, when EACC officers, armed with a search warrant, raided Governor Natembeya’s residence in Kitale as part of their investigation. During the operation, MCAs and county officials allegedly incited the public, leading to violent confrontations with law enforcement. The clashes resulted in the vandalism of five government vehicles worth Ksh12.1 million and assaults on officers.
The EACC has maintained that its investigations focus on procurement malpractices, bribery, and embezzlement of public funds. The commission has vowed to pursue all individuals involved in obstructing justice or destroying public property.
The arrests signal a heightened crackdown on corruption within Trans Nzoia County, with the EACC emphasizing zero tolerance for interference in its operations. The suspects are expected to face charges related to obstruction of justice, destruction of property, and possible corruption-related offenses.
Governor Natembeya’s office has yet to issue an official statement regarding the arrests. However, the unfolding case is likely to intensify scrutiny on his administration, particularly as the probe delves deeper into alleged financial misconduct.
The EACC has urged public officials to cooperate with investigations, warning that any attempts to impede justice will be met with strict legal action. As the suspects prepare for court proceedings, the case underscores Kenya’s ongoing battle against corruption and the challenges faced by anti-graft agencies in enforcing accountability.
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EACC Arrests 24 Trans Nzoia Officials for Obstructing Anti-Corruption Probe