‘I don’t want them’: George Natembeya vows to return state honours over political harassment
Natembeya, who previously held high-ranking administrative roles in government before joining politics, argued that his record in public service should be judged by citizens and not by state-bestowed titles.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has announced he will return two state honours, saying they have lost meaning amid what he calls political harassment linked to his recent arrest and corruption charges.
In an interview, Natembeya said he would voluntarily return the Moran of the Burning Spear (MBS) and Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS) honours to Harambee House, saying they no longer hold value amid what he described as a campaign to tarnish his reputation.
“Because of what they have taken me through, I am going to return them to Harambee House. Really, how can you be given state honours and then be taken to court?” he wondered.
“I have the MBS and EBS. And also, the EACC took them, so they have defiled it, and I don’t need it. It is political harassment. You cannot call yourself honoured by the state, and then they accuse you of being a thief. How can you write your name with EBS and MBS, and then have a court case? I cannot reconcile the two. So I will voluntarily return them.”
The governor, who previously held high-ranking administrative roles in government before joining politics, argued that his record in public service should be judged by citizens and not by state-bestowed titles.
He blamed his legal woes on his outspoken nature and consistent advocacy for ordinary Kenyans, alleging that certain state institutions were being used to silence dissenting voices.
“These charges are not about justice—they’re about silencing voices that speak the truth. But I will not be cowed,” Natembeya told Citizen Digital, adding that the Constitution protects his freedom of expression.
He further warned that failing to challenge such injustices would harm Kenya’s democratic space.
“Silence in the face of injustice would not go unpunished,” he said.
Natembeya was arrested on May 21 and charged with two counts of corruption and conflict of interest, about over Sh3 million allegedly received from individuals and companies doing business with the Trans Nzoia County Government.
He was arraigned before Nairobi Anti-Corruption Principal Magistrate Charles Ondieki and released on a Sh500,000 cash bail or an alternative bond of Sh1 million.
As part of his bail conditions, Natembeya was barred from accessing his office for 60 days, prohibited from travelling outside the country without court permission and warned against making public remarks regarding the case.
Despite the restrictions, the governor has continued to speak out, maintaining that his prosecution is a calculated effort to weaken reformist leaders and discourage criticism of the state.
The High Court has since suspended the criminal proceedings against Natembeya, pending the determination of a case he has filed challenging the charges.
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