Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has announced his intention to return all state honours previously given to him by the government.
This decision comes after recent tensions with state agencies and ongoing legal troubles involving corruption claims.
The governor, who once served as a powerful regional administrator, shared that he plans to hand back the awards he received in recognition of his service to the nation.
These include the Moran of the Burning Spear (MBS) and the Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS)—prestigious national honours awarded to individuals for their outstanding contributions to the country.
Speaking openly, Natembeya mentioned that the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) had already taken the awards during a raid at his residence in Kitale last month.
He added that the allegations of corruption have damaged the value and meaning of the honours, prompting his decision to return them voluntarily.
The outspoken governor, who has positioned himself as a strong critic of the Kenya Kwanza administration and brands himself the leader of the Tawe Movement, said the charges brought against him have stained the reputation of the state awards.
He further revealed that he had been on the list to receive another prestigious honour—the Elder of the Golden Heart (EGH)—which is usually granted to governors.
However, he noted that he was denied this latest award due to what he believes are political differences.
“I will take them back to Harambee House,” Natembeya said in a recent interview with Citizen Digital. “How can I be proud of being a state honouree while I’m being dragged to court over corruption claims? It doesn’t make sense to me anymore.
Those awards are now tainted. The EACC already took them during the raids, and I no longer want them.”
Governor Natembeya was arrested and officially charged on May 21 with two counts of corruption and conflict of interest, linked to suspicious payments of over Ksh3 million involving county suppliers.
According to the prosecution, Natembeya allegedly received money unlawfully from individuals and companies that were doing business with the Trans Nzoia County Government.
The charges also state that he personally gained financial benefits of Ksh1.12 million and Ksh2.12 million, respectively, from two different parties whose companies were trading with the county. These charges were filed under the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, 2003.
Although he strongly denied all the accusations, the prosecution insisted that the total of Ksh4.2 million received by the governor was directly tied to questionable county tenders.
After his court appearance, Natembeya was released on Ksh500,000 cash bail or alternatively, a Ksh1 million bond, by Nairobi Anti-Corruption Court Principal Magistrate Charles Ondieki.
However, on June 5, the High Court granted temporary relief to the embattled governor. In a ruling issued by Justice Bahati Mwamuye, the court suspended the proceedings against Natembeya.
This move came after he filed a petition challenging the legitimacy of the charges brought against him.
The case is now on hold, awaiting the outcome of the constitutional petition that will determine whether the charges can proceed or be dropped altogether.
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