High Court clears Trans Nzoia Gov Natembeya

Governor George Natembeya just walked out of the High Court fully cleared, with the judge torching the EACC's entire investigation as unconstitutional.

Justice Mwamuye's ruling

• Justice Bahati Mwamuye delivered the verdict at Milimani Law Courts.
• Natembeya's arrest on May 20, 2025, was declared unlawful.
• EACC blocked his access to lawyers during that arrest.
• M-Pesa statements were obtained through illegal methods.

Why did the case collapse

• Charges were filed prematurely without a proper foundation.
• The evidence relied on was gathered after the fact.
• Unverified allegations got publicized before the trial.
• The judge called the whole process an abuse of power.

Financial compensation awarded

• Natembeya received Ksh 2.5 million in general damages.
• Interest accrues at court rates until full payment.
• EACC and ODPP must cover his legal costs.
• Damages address humiliation, distress, and reputational harm.

Prosecution permanently blocked

• No future charges can arise from these specific facts.
• The KSh 1.4 billion loss claim was deemed sensationalized.
• Disputed transactions turned out to be lawful per diems.
• Factors outside fair justice allegedly drove the prosecution.