How EACC Detectives Used Mpesa Transactions and a Dummy Bank Account to Nail Natembeya in Sh1.4B Graft Case

Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) detectives have built their case against Governor George Natembeya by following a money trail of M-Pesa transactions linked to a sophisticated dummy bank account scheme.

Court filings reveal that Governor Natembeya, who was arraigned in Milimani anti-corruption court on Tuesday, allegedly received kickbacks from contractors trading with the county government between 2022 and April 2025.

At the center of these transactions was a dummy bank account operated by Emmanuel Wafula Masungo, the county’s chief finance officer and reportedly a close confidant of the governor.

According to EACC investigators, Masungo used a company named Easterly Winds Limited to operate the dummy account at SBM Bank, which allegedly served as a conduit for concealing payments to Governor Natembeya.

Business Registration Services records show Easterly Winds Limited was registered in August 2015 with a sole director and shareholder identified as Noah Kipkorir, adding complexity to the unfolding case.

The investigation has uncovered that Natembeya allegedly received Sh2.124 million from Masungo through this elaborate scheme.

Additionally, the governor faces accusations of receiving Sh1.127 million from Mercy Chelangat, director of Lyma Agro Science Ltd and proprietor of Maira Stores, both of which had secured contracts with the county government.

In total, Natembeya is accused of unlawfully acquiring Sh3.2 million in payments made by the county government to these three entities: Lyma Agro Science Ltd, Maira Stores, and Easterly Ltd.

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court on May 20, 2025.

The case against Natembeya forms part of a broader investigation into alleged procurement irregularities and fictitious payments amounting to Sh1.4 billion by Trans Nzoia County during the 2022/2023 and 2024/2025 financial years.

EACC investigator Robert Rono stated in an affidavit that the commission is investigating the governor and four others in connection with these allegations.

Following his arrest on Monday, Natembeya appeared in court represented by 13 lawyers and was released on Sh500,000 cash bail after denying three graft-related charges including conflict of interest and unlawful acquisition of public funds.

Magistrate Charles Ondieki imposed strict conditions for his release, including a 60-day ban from accessing his office in Kitale and restrictions on leaving the country without court permission.

The prosecution, led by Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga, had opposed Natembeya’s release on bail, arguing that he might interfere with witnesses who are his subordinates or tamper with evidence.

They also cited security concerns following the alleged destruction of four vehicles belonging to EACC and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations at the governor’s residence in Milimani estate, Kitale.

The case has been scheduled for mention on June 3 for further directions, while Masungo, who was not present during the arraignment, has been summoned to appear for plea-taking on May 22.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​