MP Kaluma slams Natembeya’s reception in Western Kenya after arrest

Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has condemned Western Kenya residents for the lavish welcome they gave Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya following his arrest on corruption charges.

In a statement posted on X on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, Kaluma urged an end to celebrating leaders involved in serious misconduct.

"How now! This 'Our thief" mentality undermines the fight against corruption and must stop!” he declared.

The embattled governor toured all five counties in the Western region, including Kakamega and Vihiga, where hundreds gathered to welcome him ahead of his homecoming prayers in Trans Nzoia.

On May 20, 2025, Natembeya was charged with two counts of conflict of interest and one count of unlawful acquisition of public property.

He appeared before the Milimani Chief Magistrate’s Court and pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

According to the charge sheet, Natembeya is accused of indirectly receiving financial benefits from companies that had contracts with the county government between January 2023 and April 2025.

One count alleges that he received Ksh1.1 million from Mercy Chelangat, director of Lyma Agro Science Limited and owner of Maria Stores, both of which reportedly secured contracts with the county.

In another count, the governor is accused of receiving Sh2.1 million from Emmanuel Wafula Masungo, the beneficial owner of Easterly Winds Limited, which also did business with the county.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) also alleges that Natembeya unlawfully acquired 3.25 million in public funds, which were part of payments made by the county to Chelangat’s company.

According to the charges, between January 1, 2023, and April 30, 2025, Natembeya, as the Governor of Trans Nzoia County, knowingly gained an indirect financial interest of Sh2,124,668 from Emmanuel Wafula Masungo, the owner of Easterly Winds Limited, a company that had business dealings with the county government.

On May 26, 2025, speaking at a conference shortly after arriving at Kisumu International Airport, Natembeya pledged to continue serving his constituents despite a court ruling that barred him from accessing his office for the next 60 days.

The governor added that he can carry out his duties from any location.

"The Governor’s office is wherever the Governor is; even here, I can conduct business," he stated.

Natembeya clarified that the court order only restricted him from accessing his office, not from performing his duties.

He described himself as a hands-on leader who will continue to serve the people of Trans Nzoia diligently, regardless of office space.

Furthermore, Natembeya dismissed his arrest and court arraignment by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) as politically motivated.

"Freedom to express opinions is guaranteed by the Constitution, and as human beings, we are bound to have differing views," he said.