EACC granted two weeks to finalise graft investigations against Natembeya
The prosecution admitted it had failed to comply with a previous order to provide the defence with all materials it intends to rely on in the case
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has been given 14 more days to finalize investigations into the corruption allegations against Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.
Milimani Anti-Corruption Trial Magistrate Zipporah Gichana allowed the anti-graft authority more days, as requested, to compile and present documentary evidence related to alleged irregular payments made by the county government to three firms.
While granting the request for more time by EACC, Gichana directed that the matter be mentioned on June 16, when the status of the investigations will be reviewed.
The prosecution admitted it had failed to comply with a previous order to provide the defence with all materials it intends to rely on in the case against Governor Natembeya.
“Those documents and statements ought to have been supplied by now… I therefore direct the prosecution to comply with the earlier orders,” Gichana ordered. The former Rift Valley regional Police Commander is facing three charges, including unlawful acquisition of public property and conflict of interest contrary to the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, 2003, as well as indirectly benefiting from public funds.
According to the EACC, Natembeya unlawfully acquired over Shh3.2 million through transactions with companies doing business with the Trans Nzoia County Government, namely Lyma Agro Science Limited, Maira Stores, and Easterly Winds Limited.
Natembeya’s legal team includes DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, Roots Party leader George Wajackoyah, and lawyer Ndegwa Njiru.
Meanwhile, drama ensued immediately after the mention of the case as detectives arrested several individuals believed to be officials of the Trans Nzoia County Government.
According to a statement shared by the DAP-K party, those seized included Sinyereri Ward MCA John Chigi Makhanu, the governor’s assistant Emmanuel Wanjala, Director of Communications Felix Sialo, Nawiri Programme Chairman Martin Waliula, and Protocol Officer Dean Frank.
They were reportedly bundled into unmarked Subaru vehicles by plainclothes men in full view of police officers stationed at the court premises, who took no action to stop or respond to the incident.
