Governor Natembeya Arraigned in Ksh.3.2M Corruption Case, Faces Further Ksh.1.4B Probe

 

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya was today arraigned at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court to face charges related to conflict of interest and the unlawful acquisition of public property. The case marks a significant development in an ongoing anti-corruption investigation led by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

Governor Natembeya, who appeared before Principal Magistrate Hon. Charles Ondieki, denied the charges and was released on a Ksh.1 million bond with one surety, or an alternative cash bail of Ksh.500,000. As a condition of his release, the court barred him from accessing his office for the next 60 days.

The charges stem from allegations that the Governor received Ksh.3,252,568 in kickbacks between January 1, 2023, and April 30, 2025. The payments were allegedly funneled through two firms—Lyma Agro Science Limited and Maira Stores—linked to Mercy Chelangat, their director and proprietor. Investigations revealed that the funds were initially received by Emmanuel Wafula Masungo, who then transferred the money to Natembeya through M-Pesa.

Further scrutiny by the EACC found that Masungo operated a bank account under Easterly Winds Limited at SBM Bank, a firm which also received county funds before allegedly redirecting them to the Governor.

Following the completion of investigations, the EACC forwarded the case file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), which approved the charges now facing the county chief.

In a broader development, EACC confirmed that it is also investigating Governor Natembeya and four other individuals over a separate case involving irregular procurement and fictitious payments totaling Ksh.1.4 billion across the 2022/2023 and 2024/2025 financial years.

As part of that ongoing probe, EACC officers conducted a search on Monday at the homes and offices of the Governor and his associates. The operation, which turned dramatic, is tied to allegations of abuse of office, bribery, and fraudulent tender awards.

The anti-graft body has reiterated its commitment to rooting out corruption and safeguarding public funds. It noted that investigations into the broader procurement scandal are still underway, with more actions expected in due course.