The political atmosphere in Trans Nzoia County has exploded with scandal after a group of Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) came forward with stunning allegations: they were offered financial bribes to sign a motion for the impeachment of Governor George Natembeya.
The revelations, made during a press conference at the county assembly, paint a picture of a covert and well-funded operation aimed at ousting the governor before he completes his first term.
The Allegations: “Cash in Envelopes” and Secret Meetings
According to the MCAs, who were led by the Assembly Majority Leader, the scheme involved intermediaries and businessmen approaching them with cash incentives.
“We were approached by people claiming to be acting on behalf of powerful individuals,” stated one MCA who wished to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal. “They were very direct. They said the goal was to gather enough signatures to impeach the Governor and that there was ‘something for us’ for our cooperation.”
Another MCA described being offered “as much as Ksh 500,000” to append their signature to the motion. The MCAs claimed the offers were made in hotel rooms and private vehicles, with some being shown actual cash in envelopes to prove the offer was genuine.
A Unified Front: MCAs Vow to Resist “Economic Sabotage”
Instead of acquiescing, the MCAs reported the attempts to their leadership and decided to publicly expose the plot. They have vowed to stand firm against what they term as “economic and political sabotage.”
“The people of Trans Nzoia elected us and Governor Natembeya on a platform of transformation. We will not be used as pawns in a selfish game by individuals who are threatened by the Governor’s development-focused leadership,” said the Majority Leader, [Insert Name if available, e.g., Hon. David Sikuti]. “We are united in defeating this malicious scheme.”
Governor Natembeya’s Response: “We Know the Architects”
Governor George Natembeya, a former powerful Provincial Administrator, has confirmed his awareness of the impeachment plot. He did not mince words, suggesting he knows the individuals behind the scheme.
“I am aware of the dirty games being played by my political detractors,” Natembeya stated. “They are moving around with huge amounts of money, trying to compromise MCAs. But I want to tell them, their plans have failed. The people of Trans Nzoia are wise, and the MCAs have shown integrity.”
He hinted that the plot was orchestrated by individuals who feel threatened by his administration’s efforts to curb corruption and mismanagement of county resources.
Legal and Political Implications
The allegations have serious legal ramifications. Attempting to bribe a public official is a criminal offense under Kenyan law. The MCAs have stated they are ready to record statements with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to aid in an investigation.
Politically, this incident has significantly strengthened Governor Natembeya’s position, portraying him as a reformer under siege from corrupt forces. It has also galvanized his support base and created a more unified county assembly behind him.
A Call for Investigation
Calls are now growing for a swift and thorough investigation by the EACC and DCI. Civil society groups and residents are demanding that the “individuals with deep pockets” behind the bribery attempts be identified and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
This scandal underscores the often murky world of county politics in Kenya, where impeachment can be weaponized as a political tool. For now, the plot against Governor Natembeya appears to have been thwarted, but the fight over the future of Trans Nzoia is clearly far from over.
