Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Kaluma has criticised the residents of the Western region for the grand reception they gave Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya after being arrested on accusations of corruption.
In a statement on X on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, Kaluma stated that glorifying leaders with gross misconduct should stop.
“How now! This “Our thief” mentality undermines the fight against corruption and must stop!” he declared.
The embattled governor toured all five counties of the Western region, including Kakamega and Vihiga, where hundreds turned up to welcome him ahead of his homecoming prayers in Trans Nzoia.
Natembeya was charged on May 20, 2025, 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 charges.
Natembeya’s charges
According to the charge sheet, Natembeya is accused of indirectly benefiting financially from companies that conducted business with the county government between January 2023 and April 2025.
In one count, he is alleged to have received Ksh1.1 million from Mercy Chelangat, director of Lyma Agro Science Limited and proprietor of Maria Stores, both of which reportedly secured contracts with the county.
In another count, the governor is accused of receiving Ksh2.1 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) further claims that Natembeya unlawfully acquired Ksh3.25 million in public funds, allegedly part of payments made by the county to Chelangat’s firm.
“George Natembeya, 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 the County Government of Trans Nzoia, you 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.”
Speaking at a conference on May 26, 2025, after landing at the Kisumu International Airport, he vowed to continue serving his people despite a recent court directive barring him from accessing his office for the next 60 days.
Further, the governor stated that he can work from anywhere.
“The Governor’s office is where the Governor is; even here now, I can dispense business anywhere,” he said.
Natembeya says the order has been misunderstood; it was specifically about his office, which he cannot access.
He said he is a field person and will serve the people of Trans Nzoia diligently while not minding about the office space.
Additionally, the governor termed his arrest and subsequent arraignment in court by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) as political.
“Expressing opinions is provided in the Constitution, and as human beings, we can differ,” he said.
