Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has announced that he will return the prestigious Moran of the Burning Spear (MBS) and Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS) state honours awarded to him, citing what he calls politically motivated harassment by the state.
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Why Natembeya Is Returning the Honours
The governor expressed disappointment after being arrested and charged in court over alleged corruption and conflict of interest. In a passionate address, Natembeya questioned the integrity of state honours when recipients are later treated as criminals.
“How can you be given state honours and then be accused of corruption? I have the EBS and MBS, but I will return them to Harambee House. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has already defiled them,” he said.
Read also:The Tawe Kingmaker: Why George Natembeya Is the Man to Watch
Claims of Political Intimidation
Natembeya claimed his legal woes are a form of political punishment for his vocal stand on national issues. He accused certain government operatives of using the EACC to silence dissent and punish leaders who speak out against the system.
“They don’t want leaders who speak for the common mwananchi. But I will not be silenced. The Constitution is my shield,” he affirmed.
Charges Against Natembeya
The governor was arrested and arraigned on May 21 over two counts of corruption involving over Ksh3 million. He is accused of receiving funds from individuals and companies doing business with the County Government of Trans Nzoia.
He was released on a Ksh500,000 cash bail or an alternative bond of Ksh1 million. The court also barred him from accessing his office for 60 days and prohibited him from leaving the country without permission.
Defiant but Determined
Despite the court restrictions, Natembeya vowed to continue serving the public in other capacities and maintain his stand against what he calls state intimidation. “Let Kenyans judge me by my work, not by court summons,” he concluded.
