The High Court has temporarily halted the criminal proceedings against Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, providing him with a legal reprieve amid allegations of procurement irregularities and abuse of office.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye issued the suspension on Thursday, ruling that the case will remain on hold pending the hearing and determination of a petition filed by Natembeya. The governor argues that his prosecution violates his constitutional rights.
In the meantime, all previous decisions by the anti-corruption court—such as orders barring him from accessing his office—have also been suspended, as confirmed by constitutional lawyer Joshua Malidzo in an interview with Kenyans.co.ke.
The High Court has instructed that the petition, court application, and order be formally served to all involved parties, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), no later than June 9, 2025.
Natembeya’s legal team maintains that the charges brought forward by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) were flawed in process and substance, hence the request to have the prosecution quashed.
The case now awaits a full hearing to determine whether the criminal charges will proceed or be dropped altogether, a ruling that could have significant political and legal implications.
