Nairobi– George Natembeya, Governor of Trans Nzoia County, has been charged in a Nairobi court with corruption-related offences tied to financial dealings with firms contracted by his own government.
Appearing before the Milimani Chief Magistrate’s Court on Monday morning, Mr Natembeya denied three charges—two relating to conflict of interest and one of unlawful acquisition of public property. The charges cover alleged conduct between January 2023 and April 2025.
According to court documents, the governor is accused of receiving indirect financial benefits from companies that secured deals with the county administration while he was in office.
In one instance, he is alleged to have received 1.1 million Kenyan shillings from Mercy Chelangat, a businesswoman linked to two companies Lyma Agro Science Limited and Maria Stores both of which reportedly supplied goods and services to the county government.
A separate charge claims the governor accepted 2.1 million shillings from Emmanuel Wafula Masungo, listed as the beneficial owner of Easterly Winds Limited, another firm contracted by the county.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), which led the investigation, has also accused Mr Natembeya of unlawfully acquiring public funds amounting to 3.25 million shillings. The money is alleged to be part of payments processed by the county to Chelangat’s business.
The prosecution has asked the court to deny the governor bond, arguing he could interfere with ongoing investigations, tamper with evidence, or influence witnesses. The matter is still under review.
Mr Natembeya, a former provincial administrator and once a vocal anti-corruption advocate, remained calm in the dock. His legal team has dismissed the charges as politically motivated.
“This is a clear attempt to tarnish the governor’s name,” said one of his lawyers outside the courthouse. “He is confident that the truth will prevail.”
The case is already stirring political tension in Trans Nzoia, where Mr Natembeya has built a reputation as a hands-on leader since taking office after the 2022 general elections.
The EACC has not released further details on whether additional individuals could be implicated, but officials confirmed that investigations are ongoing.
The next court hearing is expected later this week.
