Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya charged with corruption as state opposes bail

Natembeya on Tuesday appeared before Chief Magistrate Peter Ondieki facing allegations of irregular financial dealings involving millions of shillings obtained through companies that conducted business with the Trans Nzoia County Government.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has been charged with counts of conflict of interest and unlawful acquisition of public property.
Natembeya on Tuesday appeared before Chief Magistrate Peter Ondieki facing allegations of irregular financial dealings involving millions of shillings obtained through companies that conducted business with the Trans Nzoia County Government.
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According to the prosecution, Governor Natembeya is accused of having acquired an indirect pecuniary interest totalling Sh3.25 million through two separate transactions between January 2023 and April 2025.
In the first count, he allegedly received Sh1,127,900 from Mercy Chelangat, the Director of Lyma Agro Science Limited and proprietor of Maira Stores, both of which traded with the county government.
In a separate incident, Natembeya is accused of receiving Sh2,124,668 from Emmanuel Wafula Masungo, the beneficial owner of Easterly Winds Limited, a company that also holds contracts with the county.
The state through the DPP applied to have Natambeya detained pending determination of the matters, they argued that releasing the governor on the bond may interfere with case, adding that even through he would not flee jurisdiction because of his societal tie, Natembeya commands influence in Trans Nzoia county and should remain in custody until the witnesses testify.
The state further added that other ongoing investigations confirm that the accused person, through his agents, attacked the EACC and DCI officers and was reported at Kitale police station.
The officer presented photographic evidence showing the vehicle vandalised by Natembeya's supporters.
His advocate, led by Ndegwa Njiru, Willis Otieno, George Wajakoyah and Eugene Wamalwa, opposed the application, stating that their client was maliciously being prosecuted through political intimidation
The charges were brought forward by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) following months of investigations into procurement dealings within the county
EACC officers arrested Natembeya on Monday on allegations of procurement irregularities, abuse of office and bribery.
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