Tension gripped Kitale on Monday morning after heavily armed police officers, accompanied by officials from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), raided the residence of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya under unclear circumstances.
The operation, which began at dawn, caught many by surprise and quickly attracted a crowd of the governor’s supporters who flocked to the scene, chanting pro-Natembeya slogans under the banner of the Tawe Movement. Some engaged officers in heated verbal exchanges, accusing the government of using state agencies to silence dissenting political voices.
Sources say the raid is connected to ongoing investigations, although EACC has not disclosed specific details. EACC CEO Abdi Ahmed Mohamud confirmed to that the commission led the operation, calling it a routine exercise.
The move has drawn sharp criticism from political leaders, including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who had on Sunday warned of a looming crackdown targeting Natembeya. Speaking in Machakos during a church service, Kalonzo alleged that the EACC had obtained a search warrant and planned to raid the governor’s properties under what he termed as “politically motivated persecution.”
“If you are a governor and don’t toe the line of those in power, they send the EACC after you. Governor Natembeya is being threatened as we speak,” Kalonzo said.
The governor, known for his vocal criticism of President William Ruto’s administration, has increasingly become a central figure in Western Kenya’s political resistance. Just last week, he was blocked by police from accessing Nzoia Sugar Company alongside former Defence CS Eugene Wamalwa and several MPs. The group claimed they were on a fact-finding mission over the ailing sugar mill’s operations.
Attempts to reach Governor Natembeya or his communication team for comment were unsuccessful by press time.
Meanwhile, Natembeya’s supporters maintain that Monday’s raid is meant to tarnish his reputation and intimidate potential challengers to the government’s narrative.
The incident adds to growing concerns among opposition figures and civil society groups about the perceived misuse of state agencies to settle political scores ahead of the 2027 general election.
Article By Suzy Nyongesa.