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Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya in his office on July 21, 2025. PHOTO/@GeorgeNatembeya/X

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has issued a statement upon returning to office after a 60-day absence following a court ruling on May 20, 2025.

Natembeya, who was arrested on May 19, 2025, was barred from accessing his office when he was released on a Ksh1 million bond or an alternative cash bail of Ksh500,000 following his arraignment at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court over a Ksh3.2 million graft scheme that he was accused of being involved in.

In a statement on Monday, July 21, 2025, Natembeya emphasised that no amount of intimidation or distraction would shake his resolve to deliver on the promises made during his campaign.

“No one will shake our resolve to rewrite our story. 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. That is my promise,” he said.

The governor acknowledged that there were forces actively working to derail the county’s progress, but maintained that fear was not an option.

“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,” he said.

Natembeya called on the people of Trans Nzoia and Kenyans at large to remain united, urging them to exhibit collective resilience and patriotism.

“Let us stand united and push forward together for a better, stronger Kenya,” he stated.

Furthermore, the governor has assured residents of Trans Nzoia County that he is more committed than ever to serving and delivering.           

 “After 60 days away, I’m back—recharged, focused, and ready to serve you with full force!”

Natembeya’s charges

During his arraignment on May 20, 2025, trial Magistrate Charles Ondieki ruled that the prosecution failed to provide compelling reasons to justify detaining the governor, who denied all charges.

The magistrate, however, imposed stringent bail conditions, including a 60-day ban from accessing his office to allow the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to conclude its investigations.

Governor Natembeya is facing three criminal charges filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) with one count of unlawful acquisition of public property and two counts of conflict of interest contrary to the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, 2003.

The court heard that between January 1, 2023, and April 30, 2025, Natembeya unlawfully acquired Ksh3,252,568 through payments made by the County Government of Trans Nzoia to three companies, Lyma Agro Science Limited, Maira Stores, and Easterly Winds Limited, all of which had business dealings with the county.

According to the charge sheet, the governor indirectly benefited from Ksh1,127,900 received from Mercy Chelangat, the director of Lyma Agro Science and proprietor of Maira Stores.

He is further accused of having obtained another indirect benefit of Ksh2,124,668 from Emmanuel Wafula Masungo, the beneficial owner of Easterly Winds Limited.

Masungo is also a serving Chief Officer for Finance in Natembeya’s administration and is among four co-accused persons expected to face charges alongside the Governor.

Prosecutors had opposed bail, citing the destruction of public property, including EACC and police vehicles, by the Governor’s supporters during his arrest.

Natembeya was also prohibited from travelling outside the country without the court’s permission and from interfering with witnesses and evidence.

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