Trans Nzoia leaders in solidarity with Natembeya
Amisi accused EACC of fighting the ‘small fish’ yet corruption begins from the highest office in the country
A section of leaders from Trans Nzoia County have condemned the arrest of Governor George Natembeya, calling it intimidation for his political stand.
Speaking outside the Integrity Centre, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) headquarters in Nairobi, DAP Kenya Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa said they had not been informed why he was being grilled yet on social media, the anti-graft agency had circulated statements accusing him of corruption.
Wamalwa, who is one of the governor’s lawyers, said the move was prejudicial against his case and unprofessional.
“We have not been told why our client has been brought here, but EACC is circulating on social media, trying to create a perception that the governor is corrupt and has been looting. That is unprofessional and prejudicial to his case,” he stated.
On his part, Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi accused EACC of fighting the ‘small fish’ yet corruption begins from the highest office in the country.
He claimed that the governor is being harassed by President William Ruto’s regime because he has been a vocal critic.
“This regime has been fighting young people. Natembeya cannot harm anyone, including a fly. Why are they going for the small fish? Corruption begins in the highest office of this land, you will not fight it by picking people depending on the political side they are in,” Amisi stated.
Natembeya was arrested and taken to Integrity Centre in the morning for grilling as part ongoing investigations into alleged embezzlement of Sh1.4 billion in the county.
He has also been accused of irregular procurement, abuse of office, and bribery.
“EACC is investigating allegations of procurement irregularities, abuse of office, bribery, and fraudulent acquisition of public funds totaling Sh1.4 billion at the County Government of Trans Nzoia. The investigations relate to three major county projects, which include the rehabilitation and Modernization of Kenyatta Stadium (Phase 1A), the Construction of the Trans Nzoia County Headquarters Offices and Tom Mboya Hospital,” EACC said in a statement.
Other people targeted in the investigations are the contractors of the projects in question and two County Chief Officers and a Sector Director.
It is not clear whether the governor would be released or he will spend the night at the Integrity Centre police station.
