Lugari Member of Parliament (MP) Nabii Nabwera has strongly criticised the recent arrest of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, labelling it a politically motivated witch hunt.
Speaking to a local media station on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, Nabwera stated that Natembeya is being targeted for his open criticism of the Kenya Kwanza government, which he accuses of being overbearing and failing to fulfil its promises.
He also attributed Natembeya’s emergence as an alternative political voice in the Western region to the challenges he is currently facing.
“Prior to this, there were three things that happened in the environment of Governor Natembeya; the first one was he had come out as ‘an alternative’ political voice in my region (Western); secondly, he has openly criticised the Kenya Kwanza government in terms of what he thinks are overbearing and failing to fulfil promises; and, thirdly, he has opposed the current Luhya leadership,” he stated.
In addition, Nabii Nabwera remarked that while Natembeya faces corruption charges, the situation has unfortunately been overtaken by political considerations, suggesting that the legal proceedings may be influenced by political motivations.
“The charges are about corruption, but unfortunately, politics has taken centre stage,” he added.
Nabwera on court ruling
Nabwera further expressed concern that the court’s decision on May 20, 2025, barring the governor from office, would undermine his authority and significantly hinder service delivery in Trans Nzoia County.
He noted that while similar rulings had been made against governors in 2013 and 2016, those leaders had continued to function
“In the context of service delivery, the decision of the courts yesterday (May 20, 2025) completely affects service delivery, but this is not the first one; in 2013 and 2016, such a ruling was made to a governor, but still he functioned,” he added.
“The office residence of the governor is the seat of power, so when you are barred from accessing your seat of power, then there is an issue.”
Natembeya’s case
Natembeya was released on May 20, 2025, on a bond of Ksh one million with one surety, or he pays a cash bail of Ksh500,000 with two contact persons after he pleaded not guilty to graft charges.
Delivering the ruling, the Anti-Corruption Chief Magistrate Charles Ondieki also barred Natembeya from entering his office for a period of 60 days and ordered him to refrain from interfering with witnesses.
According to the charge sheet, the county boss has been charged with conflict of interest contrary to section 42(3) as read with section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crime Act 2003.
It further states that Governor Natembeya knowingly received an indirect pecuniary interest in the sum of Ksh1,127,900 from the Director of Lyma Agro Science Limited and the proprietor of Maira stores, which traded with the County Government of Trans Nzoia.
“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 County Government of Trans Nzoia, you knowingly acquired indirect pecuniary interest in the sum of Ksh1,127, 900 from Mercy Chelangat, the director of Lyma Agro Science Limited and the proprietor of Maira stores, which traded with the County Government of Trans Nzoia,” part of the charge sheet read.
On the second count, Natembeya is accused that, between the same period of time, he knowingly acquired an indirect pecuniary interest in the sum of Ksh2,124,668 from Emmanuel Wafula Masungo, the beneficial owner of Easterly Winds Limited, which traded with the County Government of Trans Nzoia.
Natembeya has also been charged with unlawful acquisition of public property contrary to section 45 (1) (a) as read with section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act 2003.
“Between January 1, 2023 and April 30, 2025, being the Governor of Trans Nzoia County Government, you unlawfully acquired public property, to wit Ksh3,252,568, being part of the payments made by the County Government of Trans Nzoia to Lyma Agro Science Limited, Maira Stores and Easterly Winds Limited in conflict of your public interest,” read part of the charge sheet.
The matter will be mentioned on June 4, 2025, for further directions.
