The ruling has intensified legal pressure on the county boss, placing his leadership under sharp public scrutiny.
The Labour and Employment Relations Court sitting in Kitale ruled that the governor ignored clear directives requiring the reinstatement of the affected County Executive Committee Members.
The officials moved to court last year, arguing that their removal was unlawful and violated due process.
Those affected include Julia Kichwen, Bonface Wanyonyi, and Jackson Amboka, who challenged an executive order that terminated their contracts before expiry.
The court later nullified the executive action and ordered that they be reinstated to their former positions or equivalent offices.
In a ruling delivered on February 26, 2026, the court found Governor Natembeya and the county secretary in contempt for failing to implement the orders. The judge directed both to appear in court in May to explain why punitive action should not be taken against them.
Under Kenyan law, contempt of court attracts a fine of up to KSh200,000, a jail term of up to six months, or both. The looming penalty has sparked debate in Trans Nzoia over respect for court decisions by elected leaders.
Civil society groups in the county have since urged the governor to comply with the ruling to avoid further legal and financial costs. Activists warned that continued defiance could disrupt service delivery and burden taxpayers with unnecessary litigation.
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