Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya wants no part of the medals that once marked the pinnacle of his civil-service career.
Standing before a crowd in Kitale on Friday, the 53-year-old county boss said he will hand back both the Moran of the Burning Spear, MBS, and Elder of the Burning Spear, EBS, to the Office of the President in protest at what he calls a politically scripted corruption case.
“How do you pin MBS or EBS to your name, then show up in court as a suspected thief? Keep them. I will not carry honours defiled by politics,” he told supporters.
Natembeya argues that state decorations lose meaning once the same state brands an honouree a criminal.
He says his recent arrest by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, EACC, and the subsequent charges have made the awards “hollow.”
The Honours in Question
Kenya’s Orders of the Burning Spear recognise exceptional public service.
- MBS sits in third class, often awarded to fast-rising administrators.
- EBS is second class, reserved for senior public servants who have delivered sustained national impact.
The insignia are usually presented by the president on Jamhuri Day or Labour Day, and recipients may legally use the post-nominals after their names.
It is rare—but not unprecedented—for recipients to return them; doing so is a purely symbolic gesture with no set legal procedure.
Inside the Corruption Case
| Date | Key Event | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 20 May 2025 | Natembeya arrested in Nairobi by EACC detectives | Spends night in custody |
| 21 May 2025 | Charged with two counts of conflict of interest and unlawful acquisition of KSh3.25 m | Pleads not guilty |
| 21 May 2025 | Granted bond of KSh1 m or KSh500,000 cash bail | Released same day |
| 21 May 2025 | Court bars him from office for 60 days, restricts travel, and issues gag order | Returns to Kitale |
| 5 Jun 2025 | High Court suspends trial pending petition on procedural fairness | Case paused |
Prosecutors allege the governor indirectly pocketed millions through companies trading with the county between 2023 and early 2025. The defence calls the figure “laughable” compared with the county’s multibillion budget.
Political Stakes
Natembeya rose to national fame as Rift Valley regional commissioner, where his blunt style and crackdowns on banditry made him a household name.
That fame, allies say, now threatens powerful figures.
- Voice of the Opposition – He has openly criticised Nairobi over delayed devolved funds and security lapses in the North Rift.
- 2027 Ambitions – His frequent rallies hint at wider political plans, fuelling speculation of a presidential run or a king-maker role for Western Kenya.
What Happens When You Return a Medal?
Kenyan law is silent on “un-awarding” state honours. A recipient may:
- Write to the Cabinet Secretary for Interior indicating intent.
- Surrender the insignia at Harambee House.
- Petition Parliament to expunge the name from the national roll of honour, though this last step has never been tested.
Legal experts say the president could also revoke an honour via gazette notice, but such moves are exceedingly rare.
The Road Ahead
The High Court will rule in late June on whether the EACC followed due process during the investigation. If the probe is upheld, Natembeya returns to the dock in August; if not, the case could collapse.
In Kitale, the governor says he will keep serving, medals or not. “Kenyans know my record. Titles on a ribbon will not decide it, my work will.”
Whether the EBS and MBS end up locked away in a Harambee House vault, or back on Natembeya’s blazer after a legal victory, now hinges on a court battle that may redefine the thin line between honour and disgrace in Kenyan politics.
