Governor George Natembeya has demanded that the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) disclose evidence of its raid on his Trans Nzoia County government office and homes in May over graft-related claims.
The Trans Nzoia Governor was in high spirits as he resumed work at his office at the county government headquarters in Kitale on Monday, upon the conclusion of a 60-day ban imposed by the Anti-Corruption Court in May.
The Governor, who is facing an active corruption case at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court in Nairobi, claimed that the charges against him are politically motivated and part of a well-funded scheme to silence him.
“I am reliably informed that no EACC officer came here to carry out investigations as they had claimed, yet they declared my office a crime scene. I am surprised why they pushed me out,” the Governor said.
After 60 days out of his office, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya returned to his office on July 21, 2025.
Photo credit: Evans Jaola | Nation
He urged EACC to come out and share with Kenyans the evidence they allegedly uncovered during their operations in the spirit of transparency and public accountability.
“In my entire career in public service, I have never been more frightened than I was when State organs conspired to attack my character and disregard the law, simply because they know there are no consequences for their actions. This should alarm not only me, but any Kenyan who dares to hold an alternative opinion from the government,” he said.
A vocal critic of the Kenya Kwanza administration, the Trans Nzoia governor believes he was a victim of political intimidation and persecution because of his outspoken stance on national issues. He accused State agencies of being part of a wider plot to frustrate him through trumped-up charges.
“This is happening to me because I am a critic of the government. But those in power should not weaponise institutions against those who criticise their leadership or hold different views,” he stated.
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He assured the residents of Trans Nzoia that he is back at work and fully committed to delivering on his development agenda.
“I want to dispel any rumors that I am still barred from office. I will now be moving to the newly constructed county offices,” he stated.
A section of Trans Nzoia residents welcomed his return, with many turning up at the county government offices on Monday morning to show their support.
“We are happy that our Governor is back to serve us. This is a great move, and we thank God,” said Job Wafula, a resident of Kiminini.
Human rights activists and community leaders condemned the government over the use of State organs to intimidate and frustrate opposition leaders, saying their governor was a victim of political persecution and State-sponsored charges because of his strong sentiments on issues affecting Kenyans.
Mr Victor Walunywa, a human rights defender, said President William Ruto must recognise dissenting voices as constructive criticism of his administration and not threats.
Commotion at Governor Natembeya's home in Kitale as locals react to raid by armed officers
Governor Natembeya had been out of his office since May 19, when EACC officials raided his Kitale home and later arrested him in Nairobi.
He was subsequently arraigned before the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court and released on a bond of Sh1million, with an additional court order barring him from accessing his official office for 60 days.
Mr Natembeya had temporarily relocated his operations to the Kiminini Sub-County offices on May 29, where he continued to serve residents.
On June 5, Justice Bahati Mwamuye of the High Court suspended the criminal proceedings against him, following a petition he filed challenging the legitimacy of the charges filed by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) based on EACC findings.
