The National Police Service (NPS) has confirmed the arrest of five more persons of interest linked to the attack on the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) vehicles during a raid at the home of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya in Milimani, Kitale.
In a statement on Saturday, May 24, 2025, NPS confirmed that the five were apprehended in an operation launched in the area.
NPS indicated that they are expected to face charges of malicious damage to property, among other related offences.
“In May 19, 2025, five vehicles belonging to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) were vandalised at the residence of George Natembeya during the execution of a lawful search warrant.
“Following this incident, a targeted police operation was launched within Kitale town to identify and apprehend those responsible. As a result, five suspects were arrested today, May 24, 2025, in connection with the offence. They are expected to face charges of malicious damage to property, among other related offences,” the NPS statement read in part.
Police announced that the operation was still active to arrest more people linked to the attack on EACC officers.
“The operation remains active as efforts continue to trace additional individuals linked to the incident. The arrested suspects are currently in custody and are assisting police with investigations. As a service, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to conducting a thorough and meticulous investigation to ensure this case reaches its logical conclusion and the perpetrators are brought to justice,” NPS affirmed.
EACC raided Natembeya’s home as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged procurement irregularities, abuse of office, bribery, and fraudulent acquisition of public funds totaling Ksh1.4 billion within the Trans Nzoia County Government during the fiscal years 2022/2023 and 2024/2025.
During the raid, a crowd of residents and supporters gathered outside the compound, protesting what they termed as political intimidation. The situation escalated into chaos, with angry youth vandalising and deflating the tires of EACC and police vehicles, and barricading roads.
This forced officers to use tear gas to disperse the crowd.
DCI operation
Following the incident, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) launched an investigation.
On Thursday, May 22, 2025, 14 persons of interest were apprehended, bringing the total number of those behind bars to 19.
“Investigations into the violent incident that occurred during which officers from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) were unlawfully obstructed while carrying out their official duties have yielded significant progress.
“The multi-agency team comprising local law enforcement officers in Trans Nzoia West augmented by detectives from DCI Headquarters Operations Unit, conducted an operation that led to the arrest of 14 suspects connected to acts of malicious damage and stealing at the residence of Trans Nzoia County Governor,” DCI reported.
