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May 19, 2025
KISII, KENYA — Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has sharply condemned Monday morning’s raid on the residence of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, calling it a dangerous escalation in the weaponization of Kenya’s independent institutions. The dramatic operation, led by officers from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and backed by armed police, has sparked national outrage, especially among leaders who see the move as politically motivated.
Onyonka did not mince his words.
“Our country is slowly descending into a scenario where voices of opinion are silenced through unlawful arrests and intimidation,” he said. “What happened to Governor Natembeya is not just uncalled for—it’s an affront to the spirit of devolution and democratic accountability.”
The raid at Governor Natembeya’s home unfolded in the early hours of Monday morning, turning chaotic as angry residents clashed with security forces. Vehicles belonging to EACC officers were pelted with stones, tyres deflated, and tensions ran high as hundreds of locals gathered to protest the operation.
The governor was subsequently taken into custody and transported to EACC headquarters in Nairobi for questioning over alleged embezzlement of county funds. But his legal counsel, Ndegwa Njiri, has raised serious concerns about due process.
“Our legal team has been denied access. The governor is being held without transparency. This is an abuse of power,” Njiri said.
A Governor Under Fire—and in the Spotlight
Governor Natembeya is no stranger to controversy—or courage. Once the Rift Valley Regional Commissioner, he has built a reputation as a no-nonsense leader unafraid to speak truth to power. Since taking office as governor, he has been vocal in calling out the national government, especially on issues affecting the Western region.
His latest political move—launching the “Tawe Movement,” a Swahili expression meaning “Say No”—has ruffled feathers. The movement aims to push back against what he describes as corrupt and tribalistic political forces attempting to strangle the potential of Western Kenya.
In his speeches, Natembeya has openly accused President William Ruto’s administration of sidelining his region and perpetuating economic inequalities. He has also been critical of how government appointments and development projects are allegedly skewed in favor of a few politically connected individuals.
While some view him as a firebrand reformist, others, particularly within Kenya Kwanza-aligned factions, see him as a destabilizing figure.
Impeachment Calls and the Backlash
Earlier this year, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei publicly called for Natembeya’s impeachment. He accused the Trans Nzoia governor of promoting tribalism, division, and financial mismanagement—claims that Natembeya’s allies have dismissed as baseless and politically motivated.
“What we are witnessing is an attempt to punish leaders who refuse to toe the line,” said Senator Onyonka. “This is not the Kenya we fought for. Institutions like the EACC should not be used to settle political scores.”
In response to the impeachment threats, Members of the Trans Nzoia County Assembly, alongside youth leaders and professionals in the region, have come out strongly in defense of Natembeya. The Bukusu Council of Elders even issued a stern warning to politicians pushing for his removal, urging them to respect the will of the electorate.
“Governor Natembeya was elected by the people. Any attempt to remove him from office without due process is not only unconstitutional but also a betrayal of democracy,” said one local youth leader during a recent press conference.
A Pattern of Intimidation?
Senator Onyonka’s outrage over the raid is not an isolated opinion. The senator has been a long-time critic of what he sees as the EACC’s selective approach to justice. In a fiery exchange in the Senate last year, he accused EACC officials of corruption and incompetence, asking why major scandals involving top government officials often go unpunished.
This week’s events have only strengthened his resolve.
“We must protect our democracy,” Onyonka emphasized. “If leaders are being silenced for standing with the people, then no one is safe. Kenya cannot afford to slide back into autocracy masked as anti-corruption.”
What’s Next for Natembeya?
As of Monday evening, Governor Natembeya remains in custody, with no clear indication of when he will be released or formally charged. His legal team insists the arrest was made without a proper warrant and are considering filing for habeas corpus to demand his immediate presentation in court.
The EACC has yet to release a full statement outlining the evidence against the governor, fueling further speculation about the political motivations behind the arrest.
Meanwhile, the streets of Kitale and surrounding areas remain tense, with residents vowing to hold peaceful demonstrations until their governor is released.
A Tipping Point?
The raid on Natembeya’s home could be a watershed moment in Kenya’s ongoing debate over the independence of institutions like the EACC. While the fight against corruption remains a national priority, critics argue that enforcement must be impartial, transparent, and grounded in the law—not politics.
As Senator Onyonka put it:
“We cannot let fear govern our country. Today it’s Natembeya. Tomorrow it could be any one of us. If we don’t speak up now, then we will have lost the very soul of our republic.”
With political temperatures rising and trust in institutions waning, Kenya stands at a crossroads. Will the country uphold the principles of democracy and devolution—or allow them to be trampled under the weight of political expediency?