Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya at Milimani Law Courts on May 20, 2025 /EZEKIEL AMING'AThe High Court has temporarily suspended the anti-corruption proceedings against Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.
The county boss had been charged with conflict of interest and unlawful acquisition of public property.
The suspension will remain in effect pending the outcome of a constitutional petition challenging the legality of the charges.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye issued a conservatory order staying the criminal proceedings until the petition is heard and determined, according to court documents.
“Pending the inter partes hearing and determination of the petitioner/applicant's Notice of Motion Application dated JUne 5, 2025, a conservatory order be and is hereby issued staying the criminal proceedings in Nairobi, Milimani Chief Magistrates' Anti-Corruption Case Number E024 of 2025, Republic versus George Natembeya & Anor,” read part of Justice Mwamuye’s ruling.
The court directed the petitioner to serve the application, petition, and court order on the respondents by the close of business on June 9.
The respondents are required to file their responses by June 20, with any rejoinder to be filed by June 27.
This development comes amid notable procedural delays in the case.
During a recent hearing, State Prosecutor Victor Owiti informed the court that the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has yet to obtain crucial documents from various government offices necessary for the prosecution.
Some of the documents are reportedly still held at the Governor’s office, and the EACC has sent letters to key county secretaries requesting their release.
The defence, led by lawyer Macharia, criticized the EACC for failing to comply with court orders and contributing to delays, especially given the high-profile nature of the case and the public interest surrounding Governor Natembeya’s arrest.
Magistrate Zipporah Gachana expressed concern over the continued delays and directed the prosecution to fully comply with prior court orders by submitting all necessary documents and witness statements by June 16.
“Those documents and statements ought to have been supplied by now. I therefore direct the prosecution to comply with the earlier orders,” the magistrate ruled.
