By Faith Cherop
High drama was witnessed today at the Milimani Law Courts during the mention of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya’s corruption case, as several of his close aides were reportedly arrested under mysterious circumstances, further deepening the intrigue surrounding the high-profile case.
Governor Natembeya, who is facing allegations of misappropriating Ksh 1.4 billion in public funds, appeared in court accompanied by his personal assistant, protocol officer, director of communication, and Sinyerere Member of County Assembly (MCA). He had previously been arrested on May 19 and later released on a Ksh 500,000 cash bail after denying the charges.
However, what was meant to be a routine court mention turned chaotic when unidentified individuals, allegedly in plain clothes and driving a Subaru, seized Natembeya’s aides outside the courthouse. Eyewitnesses claim the arrests occurred in broad daylight and in full view of uniformed police officers who did not intervene. The identities of those behind the arrests and their motives remain unclear.
“This is not only a violation of their fundamental rights but also a direct assault on the rule of law and democratic governance,” said a human rights observer present at the court.
The arrest of the governor’s aides has sparked concerns about the state of security, transparency, and due process in Kenya, especially given the lack of immediate clarification from authorities regarding the incident.
Meanwhile, in court, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) admitted it has yet to find sufficient evidence to continue detaining Governor Natembeya. The anti-corruption body requested more time to complete investigations. The presiding magistrate granted the EACC 13 more days to gather evidence, with the next hearing scheduled for May 16, 2025.
As the case unfolds, pressure is mounting on law enforcement agencies and the judiciary to ensure transparency and adherence to the rule of law. Kenyans across the country are watching closely, as the outcome of this case could set a significant precedent in the fight against high-level corruption.
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