Kitale — Kenya’s chief prosecutor has ordered an investigation into the destruction of government vehicles during a chaotic protest that erupted after anti-corruption detectives raided the home of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) told a Nairobi court on Monday that the matter is under active review. The goal is to establish who was behind the vandalism and to determine whether any criminal charges should follow.
The raid, carried out by officers from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), took place early Monday morning at the governor’s Milimani residence in Kitale.
But what began as a high-profile search quickly descended into unrest.
As word of the operation spread, dozens of residents gathered outside the compound. Tensions flared. Soon after, several vehicles belonging to the EACC were deflated, smashed and spray-painted.
Videos shared online showed angry crowds surrounding the convoy, accusing investigators of foul play.
“They came to frame him,” shouted one protester, who declined to give their name. “We know these raids. They come with their own evidence.”
The allegations that investigators tried to plant evidence have not been backed by proof. Both the EACC and DCI declined to comment on the claims, saying the investigation was ongoing.
Politics and Public Anger Collide
Governor Natembeya, a former Regional Commissioner turned politician, has often spoken out against what he sees as the political weaponisation of anti-corruption efforts.
His allies argue the raid was politically motivated, timed to embarrass him.
“There are questions that must be asked,” said a county official close to the governor, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Why this level of force? Why now?”
But the DPP’s office, in a brief court filing, said the raid followed legal procedure and that any obstruction or damage to government property would be treated seriously.
“No one is above the law,” the statement read in part.
EACC officials later confirmed that some documents were recovered during the operation but did not clarify the nature of the investigation.
Broader Concerns About Trust in Institutions
The incident in Kitale highlights a deeper tension a growing distrust among the public toward law enforcement agencies, especially in politically sensitive cases.
While some Kenyans see anti-corruption crackdowns as long overdue, others fear they are selectively enforced.
“We cannot afford to lose faith in our institutions,” said Grace Mutheu, a constitutional lawyer based in Nairobi. “But at the same time, those institutions must be beyond reproach transparent, accountable and fair.”
As of Tuesday, no arrests had been made over the vandalism, though police say they are reviewing video footage to identify suspects.
Meanwhile, the governor has not been charged with any offence and remains in office. His team says they will issue a statement once they’ve had full access to legal counsel.
For now, Kitale remains tense not just from the fallout of a single raid, but from a broader unease about justice, politics, and who really holds the power.
