High Court Halts Criminal Case Against Governor Natembeya Pending Petition Ruling
Justice Bahati Mwamuye, in a strongly worded ruling, suspended the anti-corruption proceedings against the county boss. The ruling gives Natembeya a breather as he fights to stop his prosecution over alleged procurement irregularities and abuse of office.
“Pending the inter partes hearing and determination of the petitioner’s Notice of Motion dated 05/06/2025, a conservatory order is hereby issued staying the criminal proceedings,” Justice Mwamuye ruled.
The case in question, Milimani Anti-Corruption Case Number E024 of 2025, now stands frozen until the court hears Natembeya’s petition fully.
Governor Cites Constitutional Violations in Petition
Natembeya, through his lawyers, rushed to court to challenge the charges. He claimed his constitutional rights had been violated during the investigations.
The court ordered that all respondents—including the DCI and ODPP—must be served with the petition by June 9, 2025.
Legal Experts Weigh In
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, constitutional lawyer Joshua Malidzo clarified the meaning of the ruling.
“This means all prior decisions, including orders barring him from office, are now on hold,” Malidzo said.
Earlier, Natembeya had been released on a KSh 1 million bond or a cash bail of KSh 500,000 after pleading not guilty to graft charges. He had also been barred from accessing his office for 60 days and restricted from leaving the country.
The Allegations in Detail
The ODPP accused Natembeya of unlawfully acquiring KSh 3.25 million in public funds between January 2023 and April 2025. They said this was done through suspicious payments from the Trans Nzoia County Government.
He faced two counts of conflict of interest and one count of unlawful acquisition of public property.
Further, the prosecution claimed he benefited financially through indirect payments of KSh 1.12 million and KSh 2.12 million from entities doing business with the county.
Natembeya, however, denied all charges and insisted the accusations were politically motivated.
Political Pressure or Justice?
The governor has long been a fierce critic of the Kenya Kwanza government, and many see the charges as part of a political witch-hunt. Nevertheless, the court emphasized that justice must follow due process.
Until the petition is heard and determined, all eyes remain on the corridors of justice.
ALSO READ:Tigania East MP Linked to Viral Video of Parliament Brawl, Speaker Demands Apology
High Court Halts Criminal Case Against Governor Natembeya Pending Petition Ruling
