Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya at Milimani Law Courts on May 20, 2025 /FILE
This is to allow the prosecution and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) time to get feedback from the High Court graft case involving Natembeya, who is accused of acquiring over Sh3.2 million in county funds.
EACC advocates informed the court that they had approached the High Court on behalf of the accused on the same.
They said the High Court had issued an order and directed that the matter be mentioned on June 30, 2025, for compliance.
“We request that the matter be mentioned in mid-July to enable us to submit the High Court’s feedback,” the advocates said.
Principal Magistrate Zipporah Gichana noted that the court will also consider the attendance of the accused on the next date.
She pointed out that the issue of pay order is common in this type of matter.
She then adjourned the case to July 30, 2025, to wait for feedback on a case that's ongoing at a high court, and then the court will give further directions.
Governor Natembeya is charged with corruption-related offenses.
The charges stem from alleged illegal financial dealings during his term in office.
Natembeya faces three counts, including conflict of interest and unlawful acquisition of public property.
The offences are said to have been committed between January 1, 2023, and April 30, 2025.
The prosecution claims the governor acquired indirect financial benefits worth Sh3.2 million.
The money was allegedly paid through companies doing business with the Trans Nzoia County Government.
His co-accused, Emmanuel Wafula Masungo, did not appear in court to take a plea.
Masungo is the Chief Finance Officer of Trans Nzoia County.
He faces similar charges of conflict of interest and unlawful acquisition of public funds.
Masungo is accused of acquiring Sh2.68 million through Easterly Winds Limited.
The prosecution claims Masungo has a private interest in the company and is its sole bank signatory.
In the first count, Natembeya is alleged to have received Sh1,127,900 from Mercy Chelongat.
Chelongat is the Director of Lyma Agro Science Limited and the proprietor of Maira Stores.
In the second count, Natembeya is accused of indirectly benefiting from Sh2.1 million through Masungo.
Appearing before Chief Magistrate Charles Ondieki, he denied all charges
Masungo faces a separate charge of unlawfully acquiring public funds through the same company.
Both Natembeya and Masungo are also charged with unlawful acquisition of public property.
The prosecution cited abuse of office and conflict of interest in the charges.
Natembeya denied all the charges brought by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The case will be mentioned on July 30, 202
