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Tag: Trans Nzoia County Governor George Natembeya

  • DPP appeals acquittal of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya

    DPP appeals acquittal of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya

    The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has filed a Notice of Appeal on a High Court decision that acquitted George Natembeya, the Governor of Trans Nzoia County, in a case related to the alleged unlawful acquisition of public funds and conflict of interest.

    The Appeal follows a judgment delivered on 4th of March 2026 by Justice Bahati Mwamuye, which barred the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) from investigating, recommending prosecution, or initiating criminal proceedings against the county boss.

    The court also awarded the Governor General damages amounting to Ksh 2.5 million, plus interest at court rates from the date of judgment until payment in full.

    The DPP had charged the Governor with unlawful acquisition of public property worth Ksh 3,252,568.

    The charges stem from payments made by the County Government of Trans Nzoia to companies that conducted business with the county.

    It is alleged that between the 1st of January 2023 and 30th April 2025, Governor Natembeya unlawfully acquired the funds through transactions involving Lyma Agro Science Limited, Maira Stores, and Easterly Winds Limited in circumstances that constituted a conflict of interest.

    Further, the governor was charged with two counts of conflict of interest contrary to Section 42(3) as read with Section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act.

    The Prosecution had earlier told the court that Natembeya allegedly acquired an indirect pecuniary interest of KSh 1,127,900 from Mercy Chelangat, the Director of Lyma Agro Science Limited and proprietor of Maira Stores, both of which had business dealings with the county government.

    He is further accused of acquiring an indirect pecuniary interest of KSh 2,124,668 from Emmanuel Wafula Masungo, the beneficial owner of Easterly Winds Limited, another company that conducted business with the County Government of Trans Nzoia.

  • EACC probes alleged Ksh1.4B graft saga in Trans Nzoia County

    EACC probes alleged Ksh1.4B graft saga in Trans Nzoia County

    The Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission (EACC) Monday launched investigations into alleged procurement irregularities, abuse of office, bribery, and fraudulent acquisition of public funds totaling Ksh 1.4 Billion.

    According to EACC the alleged irregularities and fraudulent payments which span from 2022/2023 to 2024/2025 financial years center around three projects that include: Rehabilitation and Modernisation of Kenyatta Stadium (Phase 1A), construction of the Trans Nzoia County Headquarters Offices and construction of Tom Mboya Hospital.

    In a statement on Monday, the Anti graft commission confirmed that it is currently conducting a search operation, sanctioned by court orders, targeting offices and residences of various persons of interest, including the Trans Nzoia County Governor George Natembeya.

    “As part of the ongoing investigations, the Commission is today conducting a search operation, pursuant to court orders, targeting offices and residences of various persons of interest, including the Trans Nzoia County Governor, George Natembeya.” The statement read.

    Governor Natembeya is alleged to have influenced award of tenders and received kickbacks from contractors through proxies.

    Others mentioned by the Commission as persons of interest include: Emanuel Masungo the Chief Officer Finance, Dorothy Nyukuri, Chief Officer for Water, Eliyah Liambula the Director of Procurement and Desmond Shivachi a contractor also alleged to be the governor’s proxy.

    “In addition the commission is probing allegations if money laundering and accumulation of unexplained wealth by senior county officials suspected to be part of a broader scheme to conceal the proceeds of crime.” The statement revealed.

    EACC says that the early morning search operation has resulted in the recovery of critical evidentiary material to support ongoing investigations.

    The Commission has however decried acts of violence that marred the operation, revealing that its vehicles were vandalized outside Governor Natembeya’s residence in Kitale by a group of rowdy youths. “This act of hooliganism is unacceptable and a direct affront to the rule of law,” the Commission said.

    EACC condemned the violence warning that obstructing its officers during lawful investigations is a criminal offence punishable by law. It further affirmed its status as an independent constitutional body and reiterated its commitment to carrying out its mandate with professionalism and integrity.