Governor Natembeya under probe over Sh1.4bn procurement scandal
In a day-long operation conducted on Monday, EACC detectives raided the residences and offices of Governor George Natembeya and four senior county officials.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has launched a sweeping investigation into the Trans-Nzoia County Government over alleged irregular procurement and fictitious payments totaling Sh1.4 billion shillings.
In a day-long operation conducted on Monday, EACC detectives raided the residences and offices of Governor George Natembeya and four senior county officials.
The searches, backed by court-issued warrants, are tied to ongoing investigations into suspected abuse of office, bribery, and fraudulent acquisition of public funds.
At the centre of the probe are three multi-million shilling projects: rehabilitation and modernisation of Kenyatta Stadium, construction of the new Trans-Nzoia County headquarters, and development of Tom Mboya Hospital.
Investigators allege that the Governor influenced the awarding of tenders and received kickbacks from contractors through proxies.
Among those under investigation are Chief Officer for Finance Emanuel Masungo, Chief Officer for Water Dorothy Nyukuri, Director of Procurement Eliyah Liambula, and a contractor identified as Desmond Shivachi, believed to be a proxy for the Governor.
The Commission is also pursuing leads into money laundering and unexplained accumulation of wealth by top officials, suspecting a coordinated effort to conceal proceeds of corruption.
Tensions flared during the raid at Governor Natembeya’s Kitale residence, where a group of youths vandalized EACC vehicles.
The Commission has strongly condemned the attack, warning that obstructing officers in the line of duty is a criminal offence punishable by law.
Despite the disruption, EACC officers recovered critical evidence believed to be key to the case.
The Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to executing its constitutional mandate independently and without fear or favour.
