Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has been released on a Ksh1 million bond or an alternative cash bail of Ksh500,000 following his arraignment at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court over alleged involvement in a Ksh3.2 million graft scheme.
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 alleged to have 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 has also been prohibited from travelling outside the country without the court’s permission and from interfering with witnesses and evidence.
Additionally, he must appear in court as and when required, 15 minutes before sessions commence, and is barred from making public statements or speaking to the media about the case to avoid prejudicing the trial.
Natembeya’s legal team includes DAP-K Party leader Eugene Wamalwa and Roots Party leader George Wajackoyah, led by lawyer Ndegwa Njiru.
The county boss was arrested in his Nairobi residence on Monday after a joint team of EACC and DCI officers raided his residence at Milimani Estate in Kitale.
