A Nairobi court has granted the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) detectives an additional 16 days to finalize their investigations into the corruption allegations against Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.
The matter was before Milimani Anti-Corruption Trial Magistrate Zipporah Gichana on Tuesday, where the EACC team requested more time to compile and present documentary evidence relating to alleged irregular payments made by the Trans Nzoia County Government to three firms. The court accepted the request and set June 16 as the date for a status review of the ongoing investigations.
Governor Natembeya faces three charges linked to unlawful acquisition of public property, conflict of interest, and indirectly benefiting from public funds, all in violation of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act of 2003. According to the EACC, the governor is accused of unlawfully acquiring over Ksh 3.2 million through transactions involving companies that do business with the county government. The implicated firms include Lyma Agro Science Limited, Maira Stores, and Easterly Winds Limited.
The case has attracted notable attention partly due to Natembeya’s high-profile legal team, which comprises prominent political figures such as DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, Roots Party leader George Wajackoyah, and lawyer Ndegwa Njiru. The involvement of these political heavyweights highlights the political sensitivity surrounding the case.
Tensions flared immediately after the court proceedings when EACC detectives arrested three individuals believed to be officials of the Trans Nzoia County Government. The reasons behind their arrests have not been fully disclosed, but they are expected to play a role in the ongoing investigation. The move sparked drama and underscored the complexity of the probe into alleged county government corruption.
This extension allows the EACC to deepen their probe and gather the necessary evidence to build a strong case against Governor Natembeya. The outcome of this investigation is highly anticipated as it could set a precedent for accountability among county leaders accused of mismanaging public resources. The matter will return to court on June 16 for further directions.
