Shock as 5 Arrested After EACC Vehicles Vandalized at Natembeya’s Home in Kitale Raid
Kitale, Kenya – Tensions are running high in Trans-Nzoia County following the arrest of five individuals linked to the vandalism of government vehicles belonging to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). The incident occurred on 19th May 2025 at the residence of Hon. George Natembeya, the area Governor, during a lawful search operation conducted by EACC officials.
According to reliable sources, a total of five EACC vehicles were extensively damaged while parked at Natembeya’s home as officers executed a legally sanctioned search warrant. The vehicles, which had been deployed from the Commission’s headquarters to facilitate the operation, were targeted by a group of individuals suspected to have orchestrated the act in an attempt to obstruct justice and intimidate law enforcement personnel.
Following the brazen attack, law enforcement agencies launched a well-coordinated manhunt within Kitale town. The targeted operation, which spanned several days, culminated on Friday, 24th May 2025, with the arrest of five suspects believed to have directly participated in the act of vandalism.
The suspects are currently in police custody and are said to be cooperating with investigators. Authorities have indicated that the individuals will be charged with malicious damage to property and other related offences in accordance with Kenyan law.
“This was not just an attack on property; it was a direct assault on the rule of law and the integrity of public institutions,” said a senior police officer involved in the case. “Our teams are still pursuing other suspects who may have played a role in this unfortunate incident.”
Investigations remain active as detectives work to piece together the full circumstances surrounding the incident, including possible links to political interference or attempts to obstruct ongoing anti-corruption investigations.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has also issued a strong statement reaffirming its commitment to pursuing the matter to its logical conclusion. “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,” the EACC stated.
The Commission condemned the attack, emphasizing that any form of interference with its operations will not be tolerated and will be met with the full force of the law.
Local leaders and civil society organizations have also weighed in on the matter, urging the government to safeguard anti-corruption institutions and ensure that all those involved are held accountable regardless of their political affiliations or social status.
“This incident is a serious concern. The EACC must be allowed to do its job without intimidation or violence,” said a representative from a Kitale-based NGO. “We call on the authorities to make an example of those responsible and demonstrate that such lawlessness will not be condoned.”
The five suspects are expected to be arraigned in court early next week. Meanwhile, security has been heightened around key government offices in Kitale as the search for more suspects continues.
As the investigation deepens, the spotlight remains on Trans-Nzoia County, with many Kenyans closely watching how the authorities will handle the case, especially given its high-profile nature involving a sitting governor’s residence.
