Shock as Members of Governor Natembeya’s Team Abducted Outside Milimani Law Courts

 

In a shocking and brazen act of lawlessness, five close associates of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya were abducted in broad daylight outside the Milimani Law Courts on Tuesday, in an incident that has sparked national outrage and demands for accountability.

Those abducted include Hon. John Chigi Makhanu, Member of County Assembly for Sinyereri Ward; Emmanuel Wanjala, the Governor’s Personal Assistant; Felix Sialo, Director of Communications; Martin Waliula, Chairman of the Nawiri Programme; and Dean Frank, the Governor’s Protocol Officer. An unidentified individual was also seized in the incident.

Eyewitnesses reported that the group was forcefully taken by unknown individuals driving unmarked Subaru vehicles, with the operation occurring in full view of security officers stationed at the court premises. No immediate intervention or response was made by police on the scene, raising serious questions about law enforcement’s role—or lack thereof.

Governor Natembeya, who was present at the court during the incident, condemned the abduction in the strongest terms, calling it “a direct assault on democracy, justice, and the rule of law.”

“It is deeply distressing and utterly unacceptable,” the Governor said in a statement. “That such an act could happen in the vicinity of a judicial institution, under the passive watch of law enforcement, is a national shame.”

The motive behind the abductions remains unclear, but the bold nature of the operation and the profiles of those taken have ignited fears of politically motivated intimidation. Human rights defenders, opposition leaders, and civil society groups have joined in demanding the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted individuals.

“This is not merely an attack on individuals. It is an affront to justice, human dignity, and the democratic principles upon which this nation stands,” the Governor added.

Calls have been made for the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and Parliamentary Committees on Security and Justice to launch swift and transparent investigations into the incident.

As of Tuesday evening, the whereabouts of the abducted individuals remained unknown, with families and colleagues expressing growing concern for their safety and well-being.

June 03, 2025