Court Orders EACC to Return Governor Natembeya’s Seized Properties
A Nairobi court has given the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) a clear order. It must return all properties and items seized from Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya within the next 10 days.
This follows a recent court decision that nullified the governor’s arrest and the entire prosecution case against him over alleged corruption. The magistrate also directed the EACC to refund the Sh500,000 cash bail that Natembeya had paid earlier. Without any stay order, the listed items in the inventory must go back to the governor quickly.
For a long time, Governor Natembeya faced serious claims of corruption linked to large sums of county funds. The EACC had moved in, arrested him, and taken away various properties and documents as part of their investigations. However, the court found that the way the arrest and charges were handled was unlawful, unconstitutional, and an abuse of the legal process. The judge criticised the actions as being done in bad faith. This ruling brings an end to the criminal case and clears Natembeya’s name on these particular charges. It also shows that even powerful anti-graft bodies must follow the law strictly when dealing with public officials.
This decision is a big win for Governor Natembeya and sends a strong message about fairness in the fight against corruption. It reminds everyone that suspects have rights that must be protected. If the EACC fails to return the items on time, it could face further legal trouble. For Natembeya, getting his properties back allows him to focus on leading Trans Nzoia County without the weight of the case hanging over him. The story highlights how Kenya’s courts continue to play a key role in checking government agencies and ensuring justice for all.
