natembeya-news – Ghafla!

In a significant legal victory for Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, Justice Bahati Mwamuye has ruled that the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) employed unlawful tactics during the high-profile investigation into the alleged embezzlement of KSh 1.4 billion. The court found that EACC officers violated the Governor’s fundamental rights by denying him access to his advocates during his arrest on May 20, 2025. Furthermore, the judge faulted the investigative process as “unlawful and irregular,” specifically citing the improper manner in which detectives obtained the Governor’s mobile money statements without following due legal procedures.

The ruling has effectively dismantled the state’s case, as Justice Mwamuye issued a permanent prohibition preventing both the EACC and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) from pursuing charges against Natembeya based on the facts of this specific anti-corruption inquiry. This decision follows a year-long legal battle that began shortly after the Governor petitioned the court in June 2025 to challenge the legitimacy of the charges, which at the time had led to a temporary suspension of the proceedings.

The investigation into the Governor’s administration centered on three major county projects: the rehabilitation of Kenyatta Stadium, the construction of new county offices, and the upgrading of Tom Mboya Hospital. Following these probes, the ODPP had initially approved charges ranging from conflict of interest to abuse of office. This led to a dramatic and chaotic sequence of events on May 19, 2025, when EACC detectives raided Natembeya’s residence in Kitale. The operation turned violent as supporters clashed with authorities, resulting in the vandalism of five government vehicles before the Governor was eventually taken into custody in Nairobi.

Despite the gravity of the KSh 1.4 billion allegations, the court’s latest intervention underscores the necessity of constitutional adherence during criminal investigations. Governor Natembeya, who was recently seen appearing before the Senate CPAC committee on January 29, 2026, to discuss county operations, has maintained his innocence throughout the ordeal. With the prosecution now barred from proceeding, the ruling serves as a stern rebuke of the investigative methods adopted by the EACC in this instance, marking a major turning point in one of the most contentious graft cases of the year.

Madaraka Day celebrations in Trans-Nzoia County took an unexpected turn on Sunday, June 1, as a significant number of attendees staged a mass walkout just as President William Ruto’s speech was about to be read.

The event itself was already under a cloud, with Governor George Natembeya and his deputy Philomena Kapkory conspicuously absent. Governor Natembeya later cited an ongoing graft case against him as a key reason for his non-attendance, a departure from the usual protocol.

Health CEC Sam Ojwang represented the Governor, but was left visibly perplexed when residents at the Lessos Primary School grounds openly disapproved of County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi’s attempt to read President Ruto’s address. Footage obtained by Kenyans.co.ke showed a large portion of the crowd rising in unison and departing, leaving only a handful of National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) and local officials at the venue.

Public Discontent and Governor’s Troubles

The precise reasons behind the residents’ decision to boycott the President’s speech remain unclear, but the incident comes amidst growing local discontent with the national government, particularly exacerbated by Governor Natembeya’s recent legal challenges.

In early May, Natembeya faced scrutiny from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over allegations of procurement irregularities, misuse of office, bribery, and fraudulent acquisition of public funds totaling Ksh1.4 billion. A dramatic raid on his residence in Kitale’s Milimani area saw area residents and the governor’s staunch supporters attempting to obstruct EACC officers, even vandalizing their vehicles.

Since his release from custody, Governor Natembeya has been a vocal critic of the government. In his first public speech post-release, he accused the President of attempting to silence his opposition to certain government projects.

Natembeya’s Absence and Criticism of Authority

Speaking in Kiminini shortly before the Madaraka Day celebrations, Governor Natembeya offered another reason for his absence, citing a perceived lack of meaningful authority in his gubernatorial role.

“At the moment, I hold no position of power, so why should I attend celebrations of authority?” the governor questioned. He further added, “The worsening poverty is a new form of colonialism. We have been deceiving ourselves, and I will consider in the future whether or not to attend such celebrations.”

Ironically, President Ruto’s Madaraka Day speech, one of the longest in the event’s history, contained several significant announcements directly impacting Kenyans. Notably, the President announced a plan to champion a constitutional reform that would allow Kenyans access to up to Ksh5 million in low-interest loans for mortgages. However, the residents of Trans-Nzoia opted not to hear these pronouncements, underscoring a deepening political rift.

Tag: natembeya-news

Court Quashes Corruption Case Against Governor Natembeya, Citing Unlawful EACC Tactics

Trans-Nzoia Madaraka Day Celebrations Marred By Mass Walkout As Residents Protest

Public Discontent and Governor’s Troubles

Natembeya’s Absence and Criticism of Authority