Members of Parliament have clashed over the arrest and prosecution of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, with pro-government allies defending the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, a key ally of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, claimed Natembeya is being persecuted due to his growing political clout in Western Kenya.

The senator alleged that some forces fear that Natembeya is emerging as the new kingpin of the Luhya Nation as his influence expands across the region.

“Natembeya’s issue is about the kingship of the Mulembe Nation,” Nyutu said during an interview with a local TV station.

“He is coming out as a Luhya kingpin—independent-minded and not easily compromised. That is where the battle lies.”

However, Migori Senator Eddie Oketch rejected these claims, insisting that Natembeya’s arrest and prosecution are not politically motivated.

He dismissed the narrative of a political witch-hunt, asserting that the EACC is simply carrying out its constitutional mandate.

“Natembeya is not the only governor involved in national political discourse. We’ve seen leaders like Orengo, who are even more outspoken critics, yet they have not faced such targeted attacks,” Oketch said.

He stressed the importance of accountability regardless of political affiliation and urged patience as the EACC and other investigative bodies proceed with their work.

Meanwhile, Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera criticised the case against Natembeya, labelling it a politically motivated witch-hunt.

Speaking on the same TV show, Nabwera argued that Natembeya is being targeted for his open criticism of the Kenya Kwanza government, which he accused of being overbearing and failing to fulfil its promises.

He further attributed Natembeya’s rising profile as an alternative political voice in the Western region to the challenges he is now facing.

“Before this, three key things happened around Governor Natembeya: first, he emerged as an alternative political voice in my region (Western),” said Nabwera.

“Second, he openly criticised the Kenya Kwanza government for what he believes are overbearing tendencies and unmet promises. And third, he opposed the current Luhya leadership.”

Nabwera added that although the charges against Natembeya relate to corruption, political considerations appear to have taken precedence, raising concerns about the objectivity of the legal process.

“The charges are about corruption, but unfortunately, politics has taken centre stage,” he remarked.

Governor Natembeya was arrested on Monday, May 19, 2025, and released the following day on a bond of one million shillings with one surety, or a cash bail of Sh500,000.

Delivering the ruling, Anti-Corruption Chief Magistrate Charles Ondieki barred Natembeya from accessing his office for 60 days and ordered him not to interfere with witnesses.

According to the charge sheet, the county boss has been charged with conflict of interest contrary to Section 42(3), as read with Section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, 2003.

It states that Governor Natembeya knowingly received an indirect pecuniary interest amounting to Sh1,127,900 from Mercy Chelangat, the Director of Lyma Agro Science Limited and proprietor of Maira Stores, both of which traded with the County Government of Trans Nzoia.

“Between January 1, 2023, and April 30, 2025, within the Republic of Kenya, being an agent of a public body, to wit, the Governor of the County Government of Trans Nzoia, you knowingly acquired an indirect pecuniary interest in the sum of Sh1,127,900 from Mercy Chelangat,” part of the charge sheet reads.

In the second count, Natembeya is accused of knowingly acquiring an indirect pecuniary interest of Sh2,124,668 from Emmanuel Wafula Masungo, the beneficial owner of Easterly Winds Limited, which also did business with the county.

He is further charged with unlawful acquisition of public property contrary to Section 45(1)(a), as read with Section 48 of the same Act.

“Between January 1, 2023, and April 30, 2025, being the Governor of Trans Nzoia County, you unlawfully acquired public property amounting to Sh3,252,568—part of the payments made by the County Government of Trans Nzoia to Lyma Agro Science Limited, Maira Stores, and Easterly Winds Limited—in conflict with your public interest,” the charge sheet states.

The case will be mentioned on June 4, 2025, for further directions.