NAIROBI, Kenya May 20 – Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has been charged with two counts of conflict of interest and one count of unlawful acquisition of public property.
He appeared before the Milimani Chief Magistrate’s Court and pleaded not guilty to all charges.
According to the charge sheet, Natembeya is accused of indirectly benefiting financially from companies that conducted business with the county government between January 2023 and April 2025.
In one count, he is alleged to have received KSh1.1 million from Mercy Chelangat, director of Lyma Agro Science Limited and proprietor of Maria Stores—both of which reportedly secured contracts with the county.
In another count, the governor is accused of receiving Sh2.1 million from Emmanuel Wafula Masungo, the beneficial owner of Easterly Winds Limited, which also did business with the county.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) further claims that Natembeya unlawfully acquired Sh3.25 million in public funds—allegedly part of payments made by the county to Chelangat’s firm.
“George Natembeya, between January 1, 2023, and April 30, 2025, within the Republic of Kenya, being an agent of a public body, to wit the Governor of the County Government of Trans Nzoia, you knowingly acquired an indirect pecuniary interest in the sum of Sh2,124,668 from Emmanuel Wafula Masungo, the beneficial owner of Easterly Winds Limited, which traded with the County Government of Trans Nzoia.”
Natembeya appeared before Magistrate Charles Ondieki, where the prosecution opposed his release on bond, arguing that he may interfere with ongoing investigations, tamper with exhibits, and influence witnesses.
