Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has accused officers from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) of mistreating and humiliating him during a recent raid and arrest related to a corruption investigation.

Speaking publicly for the first time since the incident, Natembeya addressed residents during a tour of Western Kenya on Monday, sharing what he described as a deeply traumatic experience at the hands of the anti-graft agency.

The governor narrated that the ordeal began in the early morning hours while he was resting at one of his homes in Nairobi, following the postponement of a Council of Governors meeting he had travelled to attend.

“I was asleep when the doorbell rang. I looked out the window and saw about a dozen men. They said they were from the EACC and had a warrant to search my house,” Natembeya recounted.

He described what followed as a chaotic and invasive search, with the officers combing through every room without providing clarity on what they were after. He claimed they did not confiscate any items but proceeded to arrest him.

Natembeya alleged that he was treated with undue aggression and disrespect, claiming one officer even attempted to handcuff him against his will.

“They ordered an AP officer to cuff me. I refused and asked to see the arrest warrant. Instead, one officer lifted me and threw me into their vehicle. They took me to the EACC offices like a criminal,” he said emotionally.

The former Rift Valley Regional Commissioner further claimed he was detained for over three hours without access to legal representation.

“They didn’t allow me to speak to my lawyers. My wife was in tears when they ransacked our home. It was as if I had already been convicted,” he said.

Despite his long-standing service in public administration, Natembeya insisted he had never been implicated in any audit queries, describing the experience as humiliating and unfair.

Later that evening, he was formally informed of the charges, including procurement irregularities, abuse of office, bribery, and fraudulent acquisition of public funds within the Trans Nzoia County Government.

He was taken to court and released on Ksh500,000 bail, as investigations continue.

The EACC has maintained that the operation was part of an ongoing effort to clamp down on corruption in county governments. However, Natembeya’s account now raises questions about the agency’s procedures and treatment of suspects before formal charges are filed.