Roads closed as protests erupt in Kitale after the arrest of Governor Natembeya

Protests Erupt in Kitale, Roads Closed After Governor Natembeya’s Arrest
Kitale town was plunged into chaos on Thursday as angry protesters barricaded major roads and burned tires following the dramatic arrest of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya. The governor was apprehended by officers from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) in connection with an ongoing corruption probe. The arrest triggered immediate and widespread demonstrations, with youths taking to the streets to express their solidarity with the county chief, bringing business and transport to a standstill.
The protests centered on key thoroughfares, including the busy Kitale-Uganda highway, where bonfires of tires and debris were lit, and motorists were forced to seek alternative routes. A tense standoff developed between the demonstrators and anti-riot police who were deployed to disperse the crowds and restore order. Chants praising the governor and condemning the EACC action filled the air, reflecting the deep political tensions in the region. The protestors denounced the arrest as a politically motivated witch-hunt designed to undermine the governor’s administration.
The situation has escalated the political temperature in Trans Nzoia, with leaders and residents divided over the EACC’s action. While some call for due process to take its course, Governor Natembeya’s supporters see the arrest as an attack on their leadership. The closure of vital transport links has caused significant economic disruption, affecting cross-border trade and local commerce. As the legal process against the governor unfolds, all eyes are on the state to manage the public discontent and prevent further violence, with the potential for the situation to influence the region’s political landscape ahead of the next election cycle.