Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has officially resumed duty after a 60-day court order that barred him from accessing his office lapsed, pledging to forge ahead with development plans despite an ongoing corruption case against him.
Natembeya, who was received warmly on Monday by members of his County Executive Committee and senior staff at the Kitale Town Hall, had been barred from office following orders issued by Milimani Magistrate Charles Ondieki. The directive stemmed from a suit filed by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), which accused the governor of involvement in a Sh1.46 billion graft scandal.
In his first address since resuming duty, Natembeya dismissed the allegations as politically motivated and maintained his innocence. He challenged EACC to declare the outcome of their investigations publicly.
“I was out of office for 60 days, yet no single EACC officer came here to collect any evidence. Why was I barred? These are political games meant to distract our focus, but we are not shaken,” said Natembeya.
He expressed gratitude to county officials for keeping services running smoothly in his absence and urged them to stay committed to their duties.
“We have about two years to the next general election. Let’s focus on the big projects. Don’t be afraid. These are the usual hurdles that come with public office. But we will deliver,” he added.
During the court-imposed absence, Natembeya worked from the county’s five sub-counties, meeting citizens and attending to county matters in the field. He revealed that there had been attempts to stop him from operating from sub-county offices.
Natembeya also criticized EACC’s silence after the dramatic raid on his home.
“When they raided, cameras were there. Why haven’t they told the world what they found or what they didn’t find? No money was stacked in my home,” he said.
Despite the case still pending in court, Natembeya reiterated his commitment to transparency, accountability, and service delivery, insisting that his administration remains focused on fulfilling its mandate to the people of Trans Nzoia.
Joseph Juma, a resident of Kwanza sub-county who witnessed the governor’s return, expressed optimism.
“We know our governor is being fought politically. But we are happy he’s back. He has built roads, opened hospitals, and he deserves to finish his term,” Juma said outside the county offices.
