The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has declared he will return his state honours, saying they no longer hold meaning due to what he calls politically motivated corruption charges.
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Natembeya, a former top government administrator, was awarded the Moran of the Burning Spear (MBS) and the Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS) for distinguished service. But he now says those accolades are tarnished by the graft case against him.
“I’ll hand them back to Harambee House,” he told Citizen Digital. “It’s meaningless to carry those honours while facing court over corruption claims. Even the EACC seized them during their raids. I don’t want them anymore.”
He condemned his arrest and arraignment as politically driven, saying they are retaliation for his outspoken criticism of the government and defense of ordinary citizens.
“These charges aren’t about justice—they’re meant to silence truth-tellers. But I refuse to be intimidated,” he said, adding that the Constitution protects his freedom of expression.
Natembeya also questioned a system that hands out national awards only to later drag recipients to court, arguing that true public service is defined by the people, not medals.
He was arrested on May 21 and charged with two counts of corruption and conflict of interest involving over Ksh3 million paid by county suppliers. Prosecutors allege he received money improperly from individuals doing business with the county government.
He was granted release on a Ksh500,000 cash bail or a Ksh1 million bond after appearing before the Nairobi Anti-Corruption Court.
His bail conditions include a 60-day ban from accessing his office, a travel restriction without court approval, and a gag order preventing him from discussing the case publicly.
Still, Natembeya insists the case is part of a wider effort to suppress reformist leaders and discourage dissent.
He warned that failing to speak out against such injustices could harm Kenya’s democracy in the long run.
The High Court has since paused his prosecution until his legal challenge is heard and decided.
