NAIROBI, Kenya – Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya was on Tuesday charged with conflict of interest and unlawful acquisition of public property in connection with alleged financial irregularities involving millions of shillings.
Appearing before Chief Magistrate Peter Ondieki, Natembeya faced accusations of having benefited from two companies with active contracts with the county government, in transactions totalling Sh3.25 million between January 2023 and April 2025.
According to the prosecution, Natembeya allegedly received Sh1.1 million from Mercy Chelangat, Director of Lyma Agro Science Limited and Maira Stores.
He is also accused of receiving Sh2.1 million from Emmanuel Wafula Masungo, the beneficial owner of Easterly Winds Limited — another firm contracted by the county.
The charges were filed following an investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), which arrested the governor on Monday on claims of procurement irregularities, abuse of office, and bribery.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) requested that the governor be detained during the case proceedings, citing concerns over his potential influence in Trans Nzoia County.
Prosecutors argued that although Natembeya was unlikely to flee, he could interfere with witnesses due to his position.
The state further alleged that Natembeya’s supporters vandalised a vehicle used by EACC and DCI officers during an earlier operation.
Photographic evidence of the damage was submitted to the court.
Natembeya’s legal team — including lawyers Ndegwa Njiru, Willis Otieno, George Wajakoyah, and Eugene Wamalwa — dismissed the charges as politically motivated and accused the state of using the judiciary to intimidate their client.
The court is expected to rule on the prosecution’s detention request later this week.
