Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has come out strongly in support of the police raid carried out on Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya’s Kitale residence on Monday, May 19, 2025.

He dismissed claims by various opposition leaders that the raid was part of a broader political crackdown on government critics, aimed at silencing dissent and managing politics through state machinery.

In a statement posted on his X account on Monday, May 19, 2025, Cherargei insisted that the raid was not politically motivated but rather a matter of accountability.

He accused Governor Natembeya of corruption and mismanagement of public funds, citing a recent incident where the governor allegedly allocated Ksh5 million to purchase coffins.

“When I warned Natembeya to desist from corruption, bad governance, and a poor development record in Trans Nzoia County, he did not listen. He must be held accountable for the use of public resources. How can he allocate Ksh5 million of county funds to buying coffins?” Cherargei said.

The senator emphasised that no one is above the law and supported the police action as part of a broader effort to protect devolution by holding governors accountable.

He further called on the Trans Nzoia County Assembly to take up the matter and table an impeachment motion against the governor.

“No one is above the law. Corruption must be confronted head-on to protect devolution. This is not politics but accountability. Trans Nzoia County Assembly, over to you to do the needful,” Cherarigei added.

When I warned Natembea to desist from corruption, bad governance and poor development record in Trans nzoia county he did not listen. He must be held accountable on the public resources how can he allocate 5M of Trans nzoia to buying coffins ? .

No one he is above the law… pic.twitter.com/LkLK22C1OF

— Senator Kiprotich Arap Cherargei (@scherargei) May 19, 2025

Natembeya-Cherargei feud

This is not the first time Senator Cherargei has clashed with Governor Natembeya.

The two have had a contentious political relationship marked by public disagreements and rivalry.

Their conflict escalated in April 2025 when Cherargei, while speaking in the Senate, called for Natembeya’s impeachment, accusing him of promoting tribalism, poor development, and corruption, which he claimed violated the Constitution.

In response, Natembeya dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically driven. He defended his administration as inclusive, highlighting representation from communities such as the Kalenjin, Sabaot, Luo, and Luhya.

He challenged Cherargei to prove similar inclusivity in his own leadership record.

Raid on Natembeya’s home

On Monday, May 19, 2025, officers drawn from the EACC and DCI raided the home of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya in Milimani, Kitale. A contingent of police officers was spotted outside his residence as they attempted to gain entry into the home. The officers have yet to release a statement regarding the raid or the motive behind it.

They were met by Natembeya’s supporters, who protested the operation, leading to a confrontation in which tear gas canisters were lobbed at the rowdy youths. In retaliation, the protesters deflated the tyres of vehicles belonging to the detectives.

Opposition leaders, led by his party leader Eugene Wamalwa, who was present and stood in solidarity with him, have come out to condemn the raid on Natembeya, terming it an act of political intolerance and an attempt by the government to silence critics