After two months away from office due to a corruption case, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya resumed his duties on Monday, July 21, 2025, declaring that he will not bow to intimidation as he seeks to fulfill his promises to the people.
Natembeya, who was arrested on May 19 and later arraigned before the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court, had been barred from accessing his office for 60 days as part of his bail terms.
He faces charges of unlawful acquisition of public property and conflict of interest in connection with a KSh 3.2 million graft scheme.
In a strongly-worded statement upon his return, the governor said attempts to derail his administration’s development agenda would fail.
“No one will shake our resolve to rewrite our story. We are determined to fulfill every campaign pledge and ensure that the people of Trans Nzoia continue to enjoy the benefits of devolution. That is my promise,” he said.
Natembeya described his absence as a period of reflection and renewal, insisting that fear would not deter him.
“If I were to give in to fear, I would be failing the very people who entrusted me with leadership. I know there are forces trying to derail us, but we will not be moved,” he added.
The governor urged residents to remain united and focus on progress:
“Let us stand united and push forward together for a better, stronger Kenya,” he said, assuring residents that he is “back, recharged, and ready to serve with full force.”
Natembeya was charged alongside senior county officials for allegedly benefiting from payments made by the county government to three companies—Lyma Agro Science Limited, Maira Stores, and Easterly Winds Limited.
According to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the governor indirectly benefited from KSh 3.2 million, allegedly through proxies linked to the firms.
The court granted him KSh 1 million bond or KSh 500,000 cash bail, but imposed strict conditions, including barring him from office for 60 days and restricting travel outside Kenya without court approval.
