I Will Not be Afraid to Speak - George Natembeya Declares

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has told off those in power, accusing them of attempting to silence him and other outspoken leaders. 

Speaking on Monday, May 26, Natembeya claimed that powerful forces are working to suppress voices that speak out against the government.

He made it clear that he would not be intimidated into silence, instead, invoking the Constitution of Kenya as his shield.

"They have destroyed Mumias and Nzoia Sugar companies, and they don’t want us to speak; they just want us to stay silent. But the Constitution of Kenya gives people the right to speak, and I will not be afraid because I am protected by the Constitution," he said.

Natembeya further warned that such silence in the face of injustice would not go unpunished.

"And to our leaders who remain silent when the government is oppressing people, just because they have food in their mouths, they will soon face the consequences," he added.

This declaration comes a week after Natembeya was arraigned in court following his arrested over allegations of conflict of interest and corruption stemming from two separate counts involving financial transactions totaling over Ksh3 million.

According to the charge sheet presented in court, he is accused of knowingly acquiring money from individuals and companies doing business with the County Government of Trans Nzoia.

Natembeya was later released on a Ksh500,000 cash bail with an alternative of a Ksh1 million bond, following a ruling issued by Nairobi Anti-Corruption Principal Magistrate Charles Ondieki.

Despite his release, he was issued with conditions to observe during his release, including not accessing his office for 60 days.

Natembeya was also ordered not to travel outside the country without express permission from the court.

Additionally, he was warned against discussing the ongoing court case in public.

"The 1st has to appear before the court when and has required. The 1st accused undertakes to appear in court 15 minutes before the appointed time for the mention hearing unless exempted by court from physically appearing in court," the magistrate noted in his ruling.