Conditions Governor Natembeya should observe as case progresses

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya at Milimani Law Courts on May 20, 2025 /EZEKIEL AMING'A

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya was on Tuesday freed on a bond of Sh1 million with an alternative bail of Sh500,000.

The Governor is facing charges of corruption.

The prosecution read out conditions the governor should observe as the case progresses.

“Upon release and while at large and to address the apprehension needs by the state, the following conditions and restrictions shall apply,” the prosecution said.

He was charged with three counts of graft, including the acquisition of public property through conflict of interest.

Natembeya appeared before the Nairobi Anti-Corruption principal magistrate Charles Ondieki.

He was warned against interfering with witnesses and court evidence, prevented from going to his office at the County Headquarters for 60 days to secure evidence and witnesses, and he was also told not to commit any offence nor interfere with registrations.

The governor should not flaunt the law restrictions governing protected witnesses and appear before the court as and when required.

He is also required to arrive in court at least 15 minutes before the appointed time for mention or hearing and join the virtual sessions at least 15 minutes before the appointed time.

In case of a bond, Natembeya should provide security acceptable to the court upon verification and provide surety as expected.

All of his documents provided for the proposed surety should be subject to verification by the verification officers

He was barred from leaving Kenya except with the express permission of the court.

The governor was told not to discuss the case in public or in the media.

"Any breach of the conditions shall attract attendant consequences, including cancellation of bond or bail," the magistrate said.

The charge sheet showed that Natembeya, being the governor of Trans Nzoia, allegedly acquired Sh1,127,900 from two firms that traded with the county government.

The governor faced a second count of allegedly acquiring Sh2,124,668 from a businessman whose company allegedly traded with the county government.

He was also charged with acquiring another Sh3,252,568 from the first trader, being part of the funds paid to her companies by the Trans Nzoia county government, which she traded with.

Natembeya pleaded not guilty to all the charges.