Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has resumed his official duties after a 60-day court-imposed absence, reaffirming his commitment to delivering development to the county despite facing corruption charges.
Natembeya, who was barred from accessing his office following his arrest and arraignment in May 2025 over a Ksh3.2 million graft case, returned to work on Monday, July 21, with a strongly worded statement of defiance against what he termed as political intimidation.
“No one will shake our resolve to rewrite our story,” the governor declared. “We are determined to fulfil every campaign pledge and ensure that the people of Trans Nzoia continue to enjoy the benefits that devolution has brought.”
He further stated that he would not be swayed by fear or political pressure.
“If I were to give in to fear, I would be failing the very people who entrusted me with leadership. I am fully aware that forces are working to distract and derail us, but we will not be moved.”
The governor called on the people of Trans Nzoia and Kenyans at large to remain united and resilient, urging them to support the ongoing journey of building a stronger Kenya.
“Let us stand united and push forward together for a better, stronger Kenya,” he said.
Arrest and Charges
Natembeya was arrested on May 19, 2025, and arraigned at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court a day later. He denied all the charges brought against him by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and was released on a Ksh1 million bond or Ksh500,000 cash bail.
Trial Magistrate Charles Ondieki declined to grant the prosecution’s request to detain the governor, ruling that no compelling reasons had been provided. However, he imposed stringent bail terms, including barring the governor from accessing his office for 60 days to allow the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to conclude investigations.
Governor Natembeya is facing three charges under the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, 2003—one count of unlawful acquisition of public property and two counts of conflict of interest.
According to the prosecution, between January 2023 and April 2025, Natembeya unlawfully acquired a total of Ksh3,252,568 through payments made by the Trans Nzoia County Government to three companies: Lyma Agro Science Limited, Maira Stores, and Easterly Winds Limited.
The charge sheet further states that the governor received an indirect benefit of Ksh1,127,900 from Mercy Chelangat—director of Lyma Agro Science and proprietor of Maira Stores—and an additional Ksh2,124,668 from Emmanuel Wafula Masungo, the beneficial owner of Easterly Winds Limited and a serving Chief Officer for Finance in the county.
Masungo is one of four co-accused persons expected to face charges alongside the governor.
Bail Conditions and Political Fallout
As part of his bail terms, Natembeya was prohibited from interfering with witnesses or evidence and barred from leaving the country without court approval. The prosecution also cited violence and destruction of property, including EACC and police vehicles, during the governor’s arrest as a reason for seeking tougher bail conditions.
Despite these legal hurdles, Natembeya has maintained his innocence and framed the proceedings as politically motivated. His return to office has been seen as a calculated political move to regain public trust and demonstrate resolve.
“After 60 days away, I’m back—recharged, focused, and ready to serve you with full force!” he affirmed on Monday.
The case is expected to proceed in the coming months, with the eyes of the public and political watchers trained closely on the unfolding legal and political drama.
