Trans-Nzoia County Governor George Natembeya was today charged with the unlawful acquisition of public property and conflict of interest in a case that has sent shockwaves through the region.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) accused Natembeya of illegally acquiring Sh3,252,568 through payments made by the County Government of Trans-Nzoia to two companies between January 1, 2023, and April 30, 2025.
The charges, announced by the DPP, stem from Natembeya’s alleged dealings with Lyma Agro Science Limited, Maira Stores, and Easterly Winds Limited—companies that conducted business with the county government.
The DPP alleges that Natembeya acquired Sh1,127,900 through Mercy Chelangat, the director of Lyma Agro Science Limited and proprietor of Maira Stores, and an additional Ksh 2,124,668 via Emmanuel Wafula Masungo, the beneficial owner of Easterly Winds Limited.
These transactions, prosecutors claim, constituted a clear conflict of interest under Section 42(3) of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, 2003.
Appearing before Principal Magistrate Charles Ondieki, Natembeya pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The court released him on a Sh1 million bond or an alternative cash bail of Ksh 500,000. However, stringent conditions were imposed.
Natembeya has been barred from accessing his office for the next 60 days, prohibited from leaving Kenya without court permission, and warned against interfering with witnesses or commenting on the case in public forums, including media platforms.
The case is set for a pre-trial mention on June 3, 2025, at 9:00 AM, by which time the DPP—led by Assistant Directors Eliphas Ombati and Alex Akula, alongside Principal Prosecution Counsel Victor Owiti and Prosecution Counsel Abdisalam Bore—must supply all documentary evidence.
The allegations against Natembeya are tied to a larger EACC investigation into irregular payments of Ksh 1.4 billion by the Trans-Nzoia County Government, which culminated in a raid on the governor’s home prior to his arrest.
The charges come at a time of heightened scrutiny of Kenya’s county governance, with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) reporting that 60 per of counties faced corruption probes in 2024.
Natembeya had previously positioned himself as a champion against graft. On September 7, 2024, he vowed to boost Trans-Nzoia’s revenue collection to over Sh1 billion annually while cracking down on corruption among revenue officers.
“Trans-Nzoia has the potential to collect more than 1 billion shillings annually,” he declared during a strategic meeting with the county finance committee. His administration promised transparency and efficiency, a stark contrast to the allegations now leveled against him.
The case has sparked varied reactions. Some Trans-Nzoia Members of County Assembly (MCAs), particularly those allied with the Azimio Coalition, have rallied to Natembeya’s defense, accusing the EACC of being weaponized to settle political scores.
Earlier today, 11 MCAs claimed the graft allegations were meant to silence the governor, insisting that projects linked to the alleged scam are ongoing.
