Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has been arraigned at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court in Nairobi following his arrest over alleged financial irregularities involving KSh1.4 billion in county funds.
Natembeya appeared before the court on Tuesday morning, where he is taking a plea to three corruption-related charges. The prosecution is pushing for the county boss to be denied bail, citing the magnitude of the charges and potential interference with investigations.
The governor is being charged alongside several senior county officials: Chief Officer for Finance, Emanuel Masungo, Chief Officer for Water, Dorothy Nyukuri, Director of Procurement, Eliyah Liambula, and contractor Desmond Shivachi, who is alleged to be a proxy for the governor in the scheme.
The arrests followed a joint early morning raid by detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) at Natembeya’s official residence in Milimani, Kitale. He was later arrested at his Nairobi residence and taken to the EACC’s Integrity Centre for questioning before being processed for court.
Natembeya’s legal defense team is being led by lawyer Ndegwa Njiru and includes prominent political figures such as DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa and Roots Party head Prof. George Wajackoyah, signaling strong political backing for the embattled governor.
The court proceedings are ongoing as the defense and prosecution argue over bail terms and the strength of the charges brought against the governor and his co-accused.
Written By Rodney Mbua
