Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has once again criticized the government, just days after being released from custody. Speaking passionately in Kakamega on Monday, May 26, the Governor made it clear that he will not be silenced or intimidated into staying quiet.
In his bold statement, Natembeya declared that he will continue to speak out against what he believes is wrong, even if the government tries to suppress his voice.
Referring to himself as a “general,” the Governor said that the Constitution of Kenya protects his right to express his views, and he will not shy away from using that right.
“Our Constitution allows us to speak out freely, and I will not be afraid to do so. I’m not just a leader, I’m now a commando and a general because I have many loyal supporters behind me. They will stand with me no matter what,” Natembeya stated during his speech.
He claimed that his recent arrest was a targeted move meant to silence him from opposing controversial government projects in the western region. These include the proposed leasing of four state-owned sugar factories and what he described as the government’s failure to create jobs for young people.
“It’s unacceptable that well-educated young people from this region are denied government jobs. We must speak about this injustice.
They are intentionally letting Nzoia Sugar Company collapse, and when we speak about it, they want us to keep quiet. That cannot happen,” he added.
Governor Natembeya had been arrested by officers from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on Monday, May 19.
He was later released by the Milimani Law Courts on Tuesday, May 20, on a bond of Ksh1 million or a cash bail of Ksh500,000 after being formally charged with corruption.
According to a statement from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the Governor is accused of unlawfully receiving a total of Ksh3.25 million in public funds between January 1, 2023, and April 30, 2025.
The funds were allegedly paid through the Trans Nzoia County Government in ways that created a conflict of interest.
In addition to that, Natembeya faces two other charges related to conflict of interest under the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act of 2003.
Prosecutors told the court that during the same time period, the Governor indirectly received Ksh1.12 million and Ksh2.12 million from individuals whose companies did business with the county government.
During the hearing, Governor Natembeya denied all the charges. However, the prosecution insisted that the total amount of Ksh4.2 million that he allegedly benefited from was connected to questionable county tenders.
Principal Magistrate Charles Ondiek ruled that Natembeya should stay away from his office for at least the next 60 days to prevent any interference with witnesses involved in the case.
The court also ordered that the Governor must not leave the country unless he receives special permission from the court.
Despite these legal challenges, Natembeya stood firm in his resolve to continue speaking out against government actions he believes are unfair or harmful to the people, especially those in his region.
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