Natembeya Freed on Sh500K Cash Bail, Barred From Accessing Office For 60 Days

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya was released Tuesday on a Sh500,000 cash bail alternative to a Sh1 million bond after pleading not guilty to corruption charges at the Milimani Law Courts.

In a ruling delivered by Nairobi Anti-Corruption Principal Magistrate Charles Ondieki, Natembeya has been barred from accessing his office for 60 days and forbidden from leaving the country without court permission.

The court imposed a total of 15 strict conditions on the governor’s release, including an order prohibiting him from discussing the case in public.

“Any breach of the conditions shall attract attendant consequences, including cancellation of bond or bail,” warned Magistrate Ondieki.

Natembeya, who was arrested on Monday, faces three counts of graft related to the acquisition of public property through conflict of interest.

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya at Milimani Law Courts on May 20, 2025

It is alleged that between 1st January 2023 and 30th April 2025, Governor Natembeya unlawfully acquired public property (bribe), specifically Ksh 3,252,568, through payments made by the County Government of Trans Nzoia to Lyma Agro Science Limited, Maira Stores, and Easterly Winds Limited, in circumstances that constituted a conflict of interest.

Additionally, Governor Natembeya was also charged with two counts of conflict of interest contrary to Section 42(3) as read with Section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, 2003.

The court heard that between 1st January 2023 and 30th April 2025, while serving as the Governor of Trans Nzoia County, Natembeya acquired an indirect pecuniary interest of Ksh 1,127,900 from Mercy Chelangat, the Director of Lyma Agro Science Limited and proprietor of Maira Stores—both of which traded with the county government.

He is further alleged to have acquired an indirect pecuniary interest in the sum of Ksh 2,124,668 from Emmanuel Wafula Masungo, the beneficial owner of Easterly Winds Limited, which also did business with the County Government of Trans Nzoia.

Natembeya has been prohibited from commenting on the case in whatever manner either on media or public forum.

The case will be mentioned on 3rd June for pre-trial.