Saboti MP Caleb Amisi has warned the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) against what he terms arbitrary raids on leaders’ homes without conducting prior intelligence.

In a statement on Monday, May 19, 2025, Amisi says the independent commission will have to issue an explanation to the people of Trans-Nzoia after the county Governor, George Natembeya, was arrested and his Kitale and Nairobi homes raided.

“I strongly condemn the arbitrary raid on Governor Natembeya’s homes in Kitale and Nairobi. It must stop with immediate effect and an explanation given to the people of Trans-Nzoia,” Amisi said.

Demeaning to families

He equally noted that the raids were demeaning to the families of the leaders, warning that in future, Kenyans may take the law into their own hands to repulse such searches.

“These theatrics of using security officers to raid people’s homes without an iota of evidence of what they are searching is backwards, draconian, archaic and utterly demeaning to families and kids,” Amisi remarked.

“Before you arrest or raid a leader’s home, have proper intelligence reports. Otherwise, Kenyans will start releasing poisonous gas to the officers.”

Tensions flared in Kitale on Monday, May 19, 2025, following the dramatic raid in which EACC accused Natembeya of presiding over irregular payments made between 2022 and 2025.

Angry residents and local leaders, including the County’s MCAs, stormed the residence where the Natembeya was being questioned and demanded to know the reason for his arrest.

Tensions flare

Chaos would ensue outside of the residence where EACC vehicles were parked, even as the questioning continued inside.

In the aftermath, several vehicles belonging to the body were vandalised, and the governor was arrested.

In a statement, EACC cautioned members of the public against obstructing their officers from doing their duties, observing that it is a punishable offence.

“Unfortunately, during today’s operation at Governor Natembeya’s residence in Kitale, Commission vehicles were vandalised by a group of rowdy youths. The Commission strongly condemns the violence directed at its officers while lawfully executing their mandate. It is an offence punishable by law for any person to obstruct a Commission Officer while undertaking investigations,” EACC stated.

ALLEGATIONS OF IRREGULAR PROCUREMENT AND FICTITIOUS PAYMENTS OF KES 1.4 BILLION BY SENIOR TRANS-NZOIA COUNTY GOVERNMENT
OFFICIALS. pic.twitter.com/fQz8nfje5Y

— EACC (@EACCKenya) May 19, 2025

“This act of hooliganism is unacceptable and a direct affront to the rule of law. The Commission affirms that it is an independent constitutional body operating strictly within its mandate and will continue to discharge its duties with professionalism and integrity.”

During the raid, four other persons of interest were detained, including the County’s chief finance officer, chief officer for water, procurement director and a contractor believed to be a proxy of the governor.