Court grants EACC 16 more days to conclude probe

A Nairobi court has granted Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) detectives 16 more days to finalise investigations into the graft case against Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.

Appearing before Milimani Anti-Corruption Trial Magistrate Zipporah Gichana on Tuesday, EACC detectives requested additional time to compile and present documentary evidence related to alleged irregular payments made by the county government to three firms.

The court granted the request and directed that the matter be mentioned on June 16, when the status of the investigations will be reviewed.

Governor Natembeya 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 Ksh3.2 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 three individuals believed to be officials of the Trans Nzoia County Government.