Natembeya freed on Ksh1M bond in controversial graft case
Milimani Anti-Corruption Court has released the Trans Nzoia Governor, George Natembeya, on a bond of Ksh1 million with one surety or he pays a cash bail of Ksh500,000 with two contact persons.
Delivering the ruling, the Anti- Corruption Chief Magistrate Charles Ondieki, also barred Natembeya from entering his office for a period of 60 days and ordered him refrain from interfering with witnesses.
Natembeya was arraigned in court on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, where he pleaded not guilty to graft charges.
According to the charge sheet, the county boss has been charged with conflict-of-interest contrary to section 42(3) as read with section 48 of Anti-Corruption and economic crime Act 2003.
It further states that Governor Natembeya knowingly received an indirect pecuniary interest in the sum of Ksh1,127,900 from the Director of Lyma Agro Science Limited and the proprietor of Maira stores, which traded with the County Government of Trans Nzoia.
“Between January 1, 2023 and April 30, 2025, within the Republic of Kenya being an agent of a public body, to wit the governor of County Government of Trans Nzoia, you knowingly acquired indirect pecuniary interest in the sum of Ksh1,127, 900 from Mercy Chelangat the Director of Lyma Agro Science Limited and the proprietor of Maira stores, which traded with the County Government of Trans Nzoia,” part of the charge sheet read.
On the second count, Natembeya is accused that between the same period of time, he knowingly acquired an indirect pecuniary interest in the sum of Ksh2,124,668 from Emmanuel Wafula Masungo, the beneficial owner of Easterly Winds Limited which traded with the County Government of Trans Nzoia.
Natembeya has also been charged with unlawful acquisition of public property contrary to section 45 (1) (a) as read with section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act 2003.
“Between January 1, 2023 and April 30, 2025, being the Governor of Trans Nzoia County Government, you unlawfully acquired public property to wit Ksh3,252,568 being part of the payments made by the County Government of Trans Nzoia to Lyma Agro Science Limited, Maira Stores and Easterly Winds Limited in conflict of your public interest,” read part of the charge sheet.
The Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) led by lawyer Victor Owiti, vehemently opposed the accused person being released on bail stating that there is likelihood of him interfering with witnesses if released.
Lawyer Owiti, told court that they have enough compelling reasons to deny the accused bail adding that there is likelihood of the accused to also interfere with ongoing investigations and exhibits.
However, the legal team representing the County boss, led by John Khaminwa, Willis Otieno and Ndegwa Njiru, urged court to release their client on bail stating that there were no compelling reasons to detain him.
They argued that denying their client bail would infringe his constitutional rights.
Additionally, they stated that the argument by the DPP that the intended witnesses are his subordinates and he may interfere with them is not enough ground to deny bail.
The matter will be mentioned on June 4, 2025, for further directions.
