Five suspects are now in police custody following the brazen vandalism of five EACC vehicles during a dramatic raid at the home of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.
The arrests, made in Kitale town after a targeted operation, mark a key step in the authorities’ pursuit of justice.
The attack, which took place during an anti-corruption operation on May 19, shocked the nation and raised serious concerns about attempts to obstruct the work of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.
Vandalism of EACC Vehicles Sparks National Outrage
The five EACC vehicles were attacked and severely damaged during a lawful raid at Governor Natembeya’s residence in Trans Nzoia County. The raid was part of ongoing investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission into alleged corruption and abuse of office involving the governor and key county officials.
According to the National Police Service (NPS), the suspects arrested are believed to have played a direct role in the malicious destruction of the vehicles. The operation to apprehend them began shortly after the May 19 incident and culminated in a coordinated sweep across Kitale town on Saturday.
“Following this incident, a targeted police operation was launched within Kitale town to identify and apprehend those responsible,” the NPS said in a public statement. “As a result, five suspects were arrested. They are expected to face charges of malicious damage to property, among other related offences.”
The suspects are currently assisting police with investigations. Authorities say the operation is ongoing, and more arrests are expected as they widen the net.
Governor Natembeya’s Probe and the Aftermath
Governor George Natembeya has remained tight-lipped about the raid and the vandalism that occurred under his roof. However, he was recently charged with procurement irregularities linked to county contracts. He was released on a Sh500,000 cash bail pending further court proceedings.
The EACC raid was intended to seize documents and digital evidence related to the allegations. But the operation turned chaotic when a mob descended on the officers and vandalized their official vehicles. It is still unclear whether the attackers were acting on orders or were spontaneous sympathizers of the governor.
Security analysts believe the violence was meant to intimidate investigators and discourage future anti-corruption efforts in the region. If confirmed, this would represent a dangerous escalation in efforts to obstruct justice.
The EACC has remained silent about the incident, likely to avoid compromising the ongoing probe. However, police have emphasized their full commitment to ensuring that justice is served.
“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 police said.
EACC Vehicles and the Bigger Picture in Anti-Graft War
The attack on the EACC vehicles is more than just an isolated criminal act—it reflects the growing resistance facing anti-graft agencies in Kenya. Vehicles assigned to EACC officers are symbols of state authority, and their defacement sends a chilling message about how far some individuals may go to derail investigations.
Experts say such attacks, if not firmly addressed, could embolden corrupt officials and frustrate Kenya’s long-standing battle against corruption.
“This isn’t just about property damage—it’s about protecting the integrity of our institutions,” said one retired police official. “When you target EACC vehicles, you’re trying to send a message. That message must be rejected through swift arrests and strong prosecutions.”
With five suspects now behind bars and investigations ongoing, Kenyans are watching closely to see if the justice system will rise to the occasion.
The arrest of the suspects is a positive step, but many believe the key players behind the chaos may still be free. For the anti-corruption campaign to maintain credibility, the masterminds must be unmasked and charged.
As the operation continues in Kitale and beyond, the spotlight is firmly on law enforcement and the judiciary to uphold justice—no matter how high up the chain the corruption goes.
