Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has sharply criticised the Trans Nzoia County Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) for hosting an extravagant welcome ceremony for Governor George Natembeya, branding their actions a national embarrassment.
In a scathing post on X on Monday, May 26, 2025, Senator Cherargei wondered why the MCAs were so quick to roll out the red carpet for Natembeya when, in truth, they should be lining up impeachment motions against him.
According to the senator, Natembeya is a corrupt leader who has been steering the county into poor governance and underdevelopment, and the MCAs were misguided to receive him with such pomp and splendour as if he were a national icon.
“The Trans Nzoia County MCAs are a national embarrassment; instead of beginning impeachment proceedings against Governor Natembeya over poor development, corruption and poor governance, they are busy rolling out the red carpet for him,” he posted.
Further, Cherargei insisted that Kenyans must make a clear choice between upholding constitutional accountability or normalising corruption and turning a blind eye to misconduct, warning that the country cannot afford to lose its moral compass.
“As a country, we must choose either to use constitutional accountability mechanisms OR normalise corruption. Tunasema Tawe Kapisa,” he emphasised.
The senator, who attached a photo of the MCAs receiving Natembeya at Kisumu International Airport, was referring to the grand reception that unfolded as the governor commenced his homecoming tour in Kitale.
Natembeya’s journey began in Luanda, Vihiga County, where he was met by excited residents eager to catch a glimpse of their leader.
Videos that surfaced online show him being mobbed by enthusiastic crowds, jubilantly cheering as he waved back from the sunroof of a sleek black Toyota Land Cruiser.
“Muko wazima, muko chonjo,” he greeted warmly.
Next, he travelled through Chavakali, where he was received with equal pomp and colour.
However, the highlight of the day came in Kakamega, where the entire town appeared to come to a standstill as residents flooded the streets in a sea of celebration.
According to videos by K24 TV on X, Natembeya was swarmed by supporters, with jubilant crowds pausing daily activities just to catch a glimpse of their governor.
From Kakamega, Natembeya continued his journey through Malava, where he addressed pressing local political concerns, engaging directly with residents. He then proceeded to Webuye and Bungoma, maintaining a strong presence across the region.
The tour also passed through Chwele, Kimilili, Kamukuywa, and Kiminini, where Natembeya rallied the people, urging them to persevere despite the challenging times.
The final stop was Kitale, marking the conclusion of the highly anticipated tour.
Natembeya’s arrest
Natembeya’s visit comes hot on the heels of his arrest last week on corruption charges.
The arrest, conducted by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) at his Kitale home, sparked violent demonstrations by his ardent supporters.
However, the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court released him on May 20, 2025, on a bond of Ksh1 million with one surety or a cash bail of Ksh500,000 with two contact persons.
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 was 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 stated 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 was charged with knowingly acquiring 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.
Following bail approval, the matter was arranged to be mentioned on June 4, 2025, for further instructions.
