DPP appeals Governor Natembeya’s acquittal
DPP appeals Governor Natembeya's acquittal
The Office of The Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has filed a notice of appeal challenging a High Court decision that acquitted Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya in a case involving alleged unlawful acquisition of public funds and conflict of interest.
The appeal seeks to overturn a ruling delivered on March 4 by Justice Bahati Mwamuye which barred investigative agencies from pursuing criminal proceedings against Natembeya.
In the judgment, the court stopped the ODPP, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) from investigating, recommending prosecution or initiating charges against him.
The court also awarded the governor general damages amounting to Ksh2.5 million.
The prosecution had charged Natembeya with unlawful acquisition of public property valued at KSh3,252,568.
The charges cited alleged transactions involving companies that conducted business with the Trans Nzoia county government.
“It is alleged that between the 1st of January 2023 and 30th April 2025, Governor Natembeya unlawfully acquired the funds through transactions involving Lyma Agro Science Limited, Maira Stores, and Easterly Winds Limited in circumstances that constituted a conflict of interest,” the DPP wrote in a statement.
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The prosecution further alleged that the governor indirectly acquired Ksh1,127,900 from Mercy Chelangat, director of Lyma Agro Science Limited and proprietor of Maira Stores.
He was also accused of receiving Ksh2,124,668 through the beneficial owner of another company that conducted business with the county government.
Prosecutors alleged that the governor obtained financial benefits from the businesses in circumstances that amounted to a conflict of interest.
Natembeya faced two counts of conflict of interest contrary to Section 42(3) as read with Section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act.
Through the appeal, the prosecution now seeks to challenge the High Court ruling and reopen the path for further investigations and possible criminal proceedings against Natembeya.
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