Trans Nzoia Governor Natembeya Charged with Sh1.4B Corruption

Nairobi, Kenya – May 20, 2025 – Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya was arraigned today at the Milimani Chief Magistrate’s Court in Nairobi, where he pleaded not guilty to two counts of conflict of interest and one count of unlawful acquisition of public property.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) arrested Natembeya on Monday, following a raid on his Milimani residence in Kitale.

Appearing before Magistrate Charles Ondieki, Natembeya was charged alongside Emanuel Wafula Masungo.

Natembeya in court over graft charges

According to the charge sheet, between January 1, 2023, and April 30, 2025, Natembeya allegedly “knowingly acquired an indirect pecuniary interest in the sum of Sh2,124,668 from Emanuel Wafula Masungo, the beneficial owner of Easterly Winds Limited, which traded with the County Government of Trans Nzoia.”

The governor is also accused of acquiring an indirect pecuniary interest of Sh1,127,900 from Mercy Chelangat, the director of Lyma Agro Science Limited and proprietor of Maria Stores, which had business dealings with the county government.

Additionally, EACC alleged that Natembeya unlawfully acquired Sh3,252,568 in public funds, being part of payments made by the county government to Chelangat’s firm.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has opposed Natembeya’s release on bond, arguing that he may interfere with investigations, witnesses, and exhibits if released.

The prosecution cited Monday’s incidents, when EACC and National Police Service vehicles were vandalized during the raid, as evidence of potential obstruction.

The investigation centers on three major county projects spanning the 2022/2023 to 2024/2025 financial years including rehabilitation and modernization of Kenyatta Stadium (Phase 1A), awarded to Parbat Siyan Construction Limited, construction of Trans Nzoia County Headquarters, awarded to C.M. Construction Company Limited and onstruction of Tom Mboya Hospital, awarded to Session Blue Contractors Limited

During Monday’s raid, residents and supporters gathered at Natembeya’s Kitale home, reportedly damaging five EACC vehicles in protest.

A vehicle that was destroyed after EACC raided the home of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.

Two journalists, Evans Jaola of the Daily Nation and Osinde Obare of The Standard, were allegedly assaulted by youths while covering the event.

Natembeya’s legal team, led by lawyer Ndegwa Njiru, has criticized the arrest, claiming the governor was denied access to counsel during questioning at EACC headquarters in Nairobi.

“They have locked in our client, but we are not able to access him or give him any legal counsel,” Njiru stated.

Opposition leaders, including DAP-K’s Eugene Wamalwa and Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka, have rallied behind Natembeya, suggesting the arrest is politically motivated to silence his criticism of President William Ruto’s administration.

EACC Chief Executive Officer Abdi Mohamud defended the operation, stating that the commission recovered critical evidence during the raid.

John Lolkoloi, EACC’s Ethics and Leadership Director, dismissed claims of political interference, asserting that the investigation had been ongoing and was not triggered by Natembeya’s recent political statements.

The court is expected to rule on the DPP’s bond denial request tomorrow, May 21, 2025.

If denied, Natembeya could remain in custody as investigations continue.

Ironically, Natembeya had previously taken a strong anti-corruption stance, warning county officials in July 2024 that they would “carry their own cross” if implicated in graft.