The High Court has temporarily halted criminal proceedings against Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya. The decision was issued by Justice Bahati Mwamuye, who ruled that the case would be suspended pending the determination of a constitutional petition filed by the governor.

Governor Natembeya had moved to court contesting the legality of his prosecution, citing violations of his constitutional rights. The charges, brought against him by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), relate to alleged procurement irregularities and abuse of office during his tenure.

In his petition, Natembeya claims that the actions taken against him are politically motivated and carried out in a manner that disregards due process. He argues that his fundamental rights, including the right to a fair trial and protection from abuse of legal processes, have been infringed upon.

Justice Mwamuye, while issuing the temporary orders, noted that the constitutional questions raised were significant and merited a full hearing before any criminal proceedings could continue. As such, the court directed that the petition, the application, and the accompanying orders be served on all respondents, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), by June 9, 2025.

This development puts a pause on the high-profile case that has attracted national attention and could have far-reaching implications on the future of Governor Natembeya’s political career. As the legal process unfolds, the country will be watching closely to see whether the petition leads to a permanent quashing of the charges or simply delays an inevitable trial.