Amos Boaz Masika, who works as the official photographer in the office of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, was arrested by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations on Thursday afternoon in Kitale town.
Five officers from the Kitale DCI unit picked him up from a street around midday. A friend of his, who preferred not to give a name, confirmed the arrest and said Masika is being held over claims of involvement in certain criminal activities.
A DCI officer later said Masika is in custody at Kitale police station and will be taken to court once investigations finish. The officer added that the arrest followed instructions from higher levels.
The arrest came only a few hours after Masika shared a post on social media. In that post he claimed that graders were being removed from sites where President William Ruto had launched development projects in Trans Nzoia the previous week.
He wrote that the machines were taken away after the public display of progress, and he referred to comments about budgets and public relations exercises.
At the same time, another staff member from Natembeya’s office has gone into hiding. David Musundi, who works in the communication department, told reporters that DCI officers tried to arrest him in Kitale on Monday for reasons that remain unclear. He said he is now staying out of sight to avoid being picked up.
These events are unfolding against a background of political tension in the area. Governor Natembeya and figures linked to the national government have been involved in public disagreements in recent weeks, including disputes over development projects and voter registration along county borders.
The arrests of staff close to the governor add another layer to the situation, though official statements so far have focused only on the investigations and not on any wider political motive.
Masika remains in police custody awaiting further action, while Musundi continues to stay away from public places.
