Natembeya freed on Sh500k cash bail with tough conditions

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya was on Tuesday freed on a bond of Sh1 million with an alternative bail of Sh500000 following charges of corruption.

However, Nairobi Anti-Corruption principal magistrate Charles Ondieki however barred the governor from accessing his office for a period of 60 days.

The court also directed Natembeya not to travel out of the country unless permitted by the court. The governor was also ordered not to discuss the case in public.

In total, the court set 15 conditions for Natembeya that he must abide by or risk being thrown into police custody.

"Any breach of the conditions shall attract attendant consequences, including cancellation of bond or bail," the magistrate said.

Natembeya was earlier charged with three counts of graft, including the acquisition of public property through conflict of interest.

Natembeya who was arrested on Monday was charged before a Nairobi Anti-Corruption chief magistrate court.

The charge sheet showed that Natembeya being the governor of Trans Nzoia, acquired Sh1,127,900 from Mercy Chelangat, the direct of Lyma Agro Science Limited and the proprietor of Maria Stores that had traded with the county government.

The governor faced a second count of acquiring Sh2,124,668 from Emmanuel Wafula Masungo who is the beneficial owner of Easterly Winds Limited that traded with the county government.

Natembeya was also charged with acquiring another Sh3252568 from Mercy Chelangat, being part of the funds paid to her companies by the Trans Nzoia county government which she traded with.

Natembeya pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

The state has opposed his release on bond claiming he will interfere with investigations, witnesses and exhibits if released.