State opposes bail as Governor Natembeya charged over conflict of interest
Natembeya on Tuesday morning appeared at the Milimani Chief Magistrate’s Court alongside Emmanuel Wafula Masungo, facing two counts of conflict of interest and one count of unlawful acquisition of public property.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has been charged with conflict of interest and unlawful acquisition of public property.
Natembeya on Tuesday morning appeared at the Milimani Chief Magistrate’s Court alongside Emmanuel Wafula Masungo, facing two counts of conflict of interest and one count of unlawful acquisition of public property.
The charges allege that between January 1, 2023, and April 30, 2025, Natembeya gained an indirect financial benefit of Sh1,127,900 from Mercy Chelangat, director of Lyma Agro Science Limited and owner of Maria Stores, which had business with the county government.
"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," the court papers also read.
Further, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission says Natembeya unlawfully acquired public property worth Sh3,252,568.
This amount was part of payments made by the county government to Chelangat’s company.
At the hearing before Magistrate Charles Ondieki, Natembeya pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The prosecution opposed his release on bond, saying he might interfere with witnesses, evidence, and investigations if freed.
