Tensions rise as police officers raid Natembeya's Kitale residence
The early morning raid was reportedly led by heavily armed anti-riot police, who arrived in coordination with EACC officials.
Police officers and officials from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission on Monday raided the Kitale home of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya under unclear circumstances, sparking tension and protests from his supporters.
The early morning raid was reportedly led by heavily armed anti-riot police, who arrived in coordination with EACC officials.
The operation drew a crowd of residents and supporters, some chanting 'Tawe Movement' slogans and accusing the officers of acting on political orders.
Police struggled to control the swelling crowd as more people gathered outside the governor’s residence. Additional reinforcements were called in to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control.
The raid came just a day after Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka warned of a plan to target the governor, who has recently taken a strong stance against the government.
Kalonzo spoke in Machakos on Sunday, saying there was a wider scheme to embarrass Natembeya for his political views.
"Governor Natembeya is threatened as we speak, and on Monday, which is tomorrow, they have obtained a search warrant to go and search his house. They just want to apprehend him and release him so that they may embarrass him before the people of Trans Nzoia," Kalonzo said.
He claimed the operation was aimed at damaging the governor’s image for refusing to align with top leadership.
"If you are the governor and you don't toe the line of those in leadership of the highest level, they will send EACC after you, but I want to say that the commission should not be used," he added.
Supporters at the scene echoed Kalonzo’s sentiments, insisting the raid had nothing to do with corruption and everything to do with silencing dissent.
