George Natembeya Released on Bail After Corruption Charges

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has been released on bail following his arraignment on multiple corruption charges. On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, the Anti-Corruption Court in Nairobi granted him a Ksh 1 million bond or an alternative cash bail of Ksh 500,000. The court imposed stringent conditions, including a 60-day prohibition from accessing his county office, a travel ban without court approval, and a gag order preventing public commentary on the case.

George Natembeya Charges and Allegations

Governor Natembeya faces three counts: two for conflict of interest and one for the unlawful acquisition of public property. The prosecution alleges that between January 1, 2023, and April 30, 2025, he unlawfully received Ksh 3.25 million through payments made by the Trans Nzoia County Government to companies linked to him. Specifically, he is accused of indirectly benefiting from transactions involving Lyma Agro Science Ltd, Maira Stores, and Easterly Winds Ltd, which are allegedly associated with Mercy Chelangat and Emmanuel Wafula Masungo.

Court Proceedings and Bail Conditions

During the court session, Magistrate Charles Ondieki outlined 15 strict conditions for Natembeya’s release. These include:

• Refraining from accessing his county office for 60 days.
• Not leaving Kenya without explicit court permission.
• Avoiding any form of public discussion regarding the case.
• Not interfering with witnesses or the ongoing investigation.

The magistrate warned that breaching these conditions could lead to bail revocation.

George Natembeya Defense and Prosecution Stances

Governor Natembeya pleaded not guilty to all charges. His defense team, led by Eugene Wamalwa, criticized the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) for altering the charge sheet, noting a significant reduction in the alleged graft amount from Ksh 4.1 billion to approximately Ksh 4.2 million.

The prosecution opposed bail, citing concerns over potential witness interference and the risk of compromising ongoing investigations. They highlighted incidents where EACC vehicles were vandalized during the governor’s arrest, suggesting possible attempts to obstruct justice.

Political Implications

Governor Natembeya, a known critic of the Kenya Kwanza administration, has described the charges as politically motivated. His arrest and subsequent release have sparked debates about the intersection of politics and law enforcement in Kenya. The EACC, however, maintains that its investigations are impartial and based solely on evidence.

Next Steps

The case is scheduled for a pre-trial mention on June 3, 2025. The court has directed the prosecution to furnish all documentary evidence to the defense before this date.