Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has launched another scathing attack on the government, days after being released from custody.
In his first speech, the governor said he will not backstep in calling out the government even 'if it tries to shut me up.'
Speaking in Kakamega on Monday, May 26, the governor, who labelled himself as a " general," said he has the right to speak his mind without fear as provided for in the constitution.
The governor claimed that his arrest was aimed at preventing him from opposing some government projects, such as the leasing of four sugar factories in the western region, and the lack of job opportunities for the youth.
"Our constitution allows people to speak, and I won't fear because I'm protected by the constitution. Now I am a commando and a general because I have many followers who will always support me," Natembeya said.
"It cannot be that when people from this region, who are well educated, go to look for jobs in the government, they are denied. We cannot allow this. They are killing Nzoia sugar factory and others, and they don't want us to talk, they just want us to keep quiet," he added.
The Governor, who was arrested by officers from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on Monday, May 19, was released by the Milimani Law courts on Tuesday, May 20, on a Ksh1 million bond or a cash bail of Ksh500,000 after being charged with graft.
According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the Natembeya is alleged to have unlawfully acquired Ksh3.25 million in public funds between January 1, 2023, and April 30, 2025, through payments made by the county government of Trans Nzoia in circumstances that constituted a conflict of interest.
Natemebya was also charged with two counts of conflict of interest under the Anti-Graft and Economic Crimes Act, 2003. The prosecution told the court that during the same period, Natembeya acquired indirect financial benefits of Ksh1.12 million and Ksh2.12 million from individuals whose businesses traded with the county government.
During the court hearing, Natembeya denied the charges even as the prosecution maintained that the Ksh4.2 million he allegedly received was linked to county tenders.
Principal Magistrate Charles Ondiek barred the Governor from accessing his office within the next 60 days and warned him against interfering with witnesses of his case.
The court further blocked the Governor from leaving the country without the necessary authorization from the court.
