The officers from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on Monday, May 19 arrested Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya at his residence in Nairobi.
According to EACC, the arrest is in connection with alleged embezzlement and fictitious payments totaling Ksh1.4 billion.
The arrest follows an investigation into irregular procurement and abuse of office within the Trans-Nzoia County Government during the financial years 2022/2023 and 2024/2025.
EACC confirms the arrest of Governor Natembeya. Photo: Courtesy.
In a statement released by the EACC, Natembeya and four other senior county officials are under investigation for their roles in suspicious payments made in relation to three major public projects.
These include the rehabilitation and modernisation of Kenyatta Stadium (Phase 1A), which was awarded to Parbat Siyan Construction Limited.
The second project under scrutiny is the construction of the Trans-Nzoia County Headquarters Offices, awarded to C.M. Construction Company Limited.
The other one involves the construction of Tom Mboya Hospital, which was awarded to Session Blue Contractors Limited.
The EACC moreover alleges that the county boss improperly influenced the award of tenders and received kickbacks through proxies.
Others listed as persons of interest include Chief Officer for Finance Emanuel Masungo, Chief Officer for Water Dorothy Nyukuri, and Director of Procurement Eliyah Liambula.
Additionally, Desmond Shivachi, identified as a contractor and proxy to the governor, is also among the persons of interest.
The commission is furthermore probing allegations of money laundering and unexplained wealth.
Notably, during a Monday morning search operation, EACC reportedly recovered evidence to support ongoing investigations.
