Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya on Tuesday pleaded not guilty to multiple corruption charges involving over KSh 6 million, in a case that has sparked political controversy and legal debate.
Appearing before Magistrate C.N. Ondieki at the Anti-Corruption Court in Nairobi, Natembeya denied three counts: unlawful acquisition of public property, conflict of interest, and indirectly benefiting from public funds. The charges stem from alleged irregular payments made between January 1, 2023, and April 30, 2025, to companies with links to the governor.
The prosecution claims that Governor Natembeya indirectly benefited from transactions involving the County Government of Trans Nzoia and one Mercy Chelangat, the director of Lyma Agro Science and proprietor of Maira Store. According to investigators, Chelangat is closely linked to the governor and her companies received county payments during the said period.
“The accused acquired an indirect pecuniary interest in payments made by the county government to entities linked to him,” the prosecution stated, while opposing bail. Prosecutor Akhula argued that witnesses in the case are junior employees in Natembeya’s administration and releasing him would jeopardize the integrity of the case.
However, Natembeya’s defence team led by lawyer Njeru strongly opposed the prosecution’s assertions, labelling the charges a politically motivated smear campaign. “The affidavit presented by the state lacks factual substance and is speculative at best,” Njeru told the court.
He further accused the government of weaponising the judiciary to suppress political opponents ahead of the 2027 elections. “This case is not about justice, it’s about political survival. We urge this court not to be a pawn in this scheme,” he submitted.
The defence requested the court to grant the governor bail, citing lack of concrete evidence and Natembeya’s status as a law-abiding public servant. The court is expected to rule on the bail application later this week.
Governor Natembeya, a former Rift Valley Regional Commissioner, has been a vocal critic of some state policies, fueling speculation that his prosecution could have deeper political undertones.
