Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya was on Tuesday arranged before the Anti corruption court and charged with corruption in relation to Sh 6 M payments linked to county contracts.
It is alleged that between January 1, 2023, and April 30, 2025, while serving as a public officer, Natembeya benefited from payments made by the County Government of Trans Nzoia to Mercy Chelangat, the director of Lyma Agro Science and proprietor of Maira Store—both of which had business dealings with the county.
The governor was further charged with conflict of interest and the third count of unlawful acquisition of public property.
It is alleged that Natembeya unlawfully acquired public funds amounting to Sh 3,252,568, which were part of payments made by the county to Lyma Agro Science Limited, Maira Store, and Easterly Winds Limited—companies allegedly linked to him.
He pleaded not guilty to the three counts before magistrate Charkes Ondieki and through his lawyers he asked court to release him on bail.
However the prosecution strongly opposed to his release on bail arguing that he may Interfere with witnesses.
While opposing the bail application, the prosecution argues that investigations are still ongoing and that if released, Governor Natembeya is likely to interfere with witnesses and tamper with evidence.
State Prosecutor Alex Akhula told the court that there are compelling reasons to deny bail. These include the risk of witness interference, concerns over public safety, and the seriousness of the charges against the governor.
“Important documents were taken when people vandalized the EACC vehicles ,the witnesses are his juniors ,people employed under his government,”Akhula submitted
Natembeya who was represented by a battalion of lawyers asked court to grant him bail saying there are no compelling reasons to deny him bail.
