I don’t want them! Natembeya to return state honours over graft case

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has announced his intention to return the prestigious state honours he was awarded, citing what he describes as political persecution.

The governor, who previously held senior positions in government administration, was a recipient of the Moran of the Burning Spear (MBS) and the Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS), accolades granted for distinguished public service.

However, he now says the awards have lost their meaning in light of the alleged corruption charges he is facing.

“I plan to return them to Harambee House,” Natembeya declared in an interview with Citizen Digital.

“How can I carry the title of a state honouree while being paraded in court over corruption allegations? It makes no sense. Those honours have been tainted. The EACC even took them during their raids. I no longer want them.”

He condemned his arrest and subsequent arraignment as acts of political intimidation, claiming that his vocal criticism of the government and advocacy for ordinary citizens had made him a target.

“These charges are not about justice—they're about silencing voices that speak the truth. But I will not be cowed,” he said, insisting that the Constitution guarantees him the right to speak out.

Natembeya further questioned the integrity of a system that bestows honours one day and prosecutes the same individuals the next, arguing that genuine public service should be judged by the people, not titles.

The governor was arrested and charged on May 21 in relation to two counts of corruption and conflict of interest involving over Sh3 million in payments linked to county suppliers.

The prosecution claims he unlawfully received money from individuals and businesses working with the Trans Nzoia County Government.

He was released on a Sh500,000 cash bail or a Sh1 million bond after appearing before Nairobi Anti-Corruption Principal Magistrate Charles Ondieki.

As part of his bail terms, Natembeya was barred from accessing his office for 60 days and prohibited from leaving the country without court approval. He was also directed to refrain from discussing the case publicly.

Despite these restrictions, Natembeya maintains that the charges are part of a broader scheme to weaken dissent and punish reform-minded leaders.

He warned that failing to challenge such injustices would have long-term consequences for the country’s democracy.

However, the High Court has halted Natembeya’s prosecution until a case he has filed is heard and determined.