Police Arrest 5 Rioters Behind Destruction of EACC Cars During Natembeya’s Arrest
Five individuals have been arrested in connection with the destruction of government vehicles during the dramatic arrest of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, the National Police Service (NPS) has confirmed.
The suspects are accused of deflating the tyres and damaging five vehicles belonging to officials from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Monday, May 19, during a raid on Natembeya’s residence.
In a statement released on Saturday, May 24, police said the arrests were made in Kitale town during a targeted operation to apprehend those responsible for the incident.
“Following this incident, a targeted police operation was launched within Kitale town to identify and apprehend those responsible,” read the statement from NPS. “As a result, five individuals were apprehended today, 24th May 2025, in connection with the offence. They are expected to face charges of malicious damage to property, among other related offences.”
The suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting investigators in identifying other individuals who may have played a role in the incident.
“The operation remains active as efforts continue to trace additional individuals linked to the incident,” police added.
The chaos unfolded after EACC and DCI officials raided the governor’s home and four other premises in connection with allegations of irregular procurement and fictitious payments totaling Ksh1.4 billion in Trans Nzoia County during the 2022/2023 and 2024/2025 financial years.
As news of the raid spread, angry residents gathered outside the governor’s compound, chanting pro-Natembeya slogans and the popular “Tawe Movement” slogan. The unrest quickly escalated, with protestors blocking the Eldoret-Kitale highway using stones and burning tyres.
Later, Kitale town was brought to a standstill as crowds stormed the central business district, singing both the national anthem and songs of praise for the embattled governor. “Natembeya, we love you so much, forever,” echoed through the streets.
Governor Natembeya, facing two counts of conflict of interest and one count of unlawful acquisition of public property, was released on Tuesday, May 20, on a Ksh1 million bond or Ksh500,000 cash bail. He has also been barred from accessing his office for 60 days pending further investigations.
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Police Arrest 5 Rioters Behind Destruction of EACC Cars During Natembeya’s Arrest