TRANS NZOIA, Kenya – Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has expressed gratitude to Kenyans who rallied behind him after he was charged in court with corruption-related offences.
In a video shared on his official TikTok and Facebook accounts, the governor said he was overwhelmed by the messages of support he received following his arraignment.
“To all my social media followers on TikTok and Facebook, I want to thank you so much for your well-wishes. I got so many messages of people wishing me well,” he said. “It is very humbling to know so many Kenyans love me. I want to just say I will continue to do good and serve the people as long as God gives me the opportunity.”
Natembeya was on Tuesday released on a Sh1 million bond or an alternative cash bail of Sh500,000 after denying three charges—two counts of conflict of interest and one count of unlawful acquisition of public property.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions alleges that between January 1, 2023, and April 30, 2025, the governor unlawfully received Sh3.25 million through transactions made by the county government of Trans Nzoia, in circumstances deemed to constitute a conflict of interest.
According to the charge sheet, Natembeya is said to have indirectly benefited from county payments amounting to Sh1.12 million and Sh2.12 million made to individuals whose businesses were linked to the county administration.
Court Bars Natembeya From Office
In his ruling, Principal Magistrate Charles Ondieki imposed strict bail conditions, including barring Natembeya from accessing his office for the next 60 days.
He was also prohibited from commenting on the ongoing case in public or through the media and must seek court permission before traveling abroad.
The magistrate warned the county boss against interfering with witnesses, noting that such conduct would lead to the revocation of his bail terms.
The charges come amid Natembeya’s rising national profile and outspoken criticism of the Kenya Kwanza administration.
His supporters have framed the charges as politically motivated, while the prosecution insists the evidence is solid and the process impartial.
The case will continue as investigations into the alleged financial impropriety unfold, with the governor temporarily sidelined from his official duties as the legal process takes its course.
