The feud between President William Ruto and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has intensified over disagreements on development projects, control of county affairs and the role of opposition leaders.
At the centre of the latest confrontation is Masinde Muliro Market in Kitale, whose opening on October 16 triggered a dispute over who deserves credit for the project and who should oversee the allocation of stalls.
Natembeya maintains that the county government financed the market, accusing the President of taking credit for a devolved project. In 2024, the county had announced plans to allocate thousands of business spaces at the facility.
Ruto, however, maintains that his administration intervened to complete a project that had stalled for years, saying it mobilised funds to finish the remaining work.
The disagreement escalated on October 19, when Natembeya removed a plaque bearing Ruto’s name and reassigned market stalls, insisting the facility fell under county control. Police blocked his access to the market, further inflaming tensions.
Clash over hospital project
The market dispute is part of a wider disagreement over the national government’s planned upgrade of Kitale Level 5 Hospital.
Ruto has accused Natembeya of frustrating development projects and vowed to proceed with the hospital expansion despite the governor’s objections.
Natembeya argues that healthcare facilities fall under county responsibility and has questioned the national government’s approach. He says the Constitution must be respected and has suggested that national resources could instead support other priorities, including a university.
Opposition politics and 2027 elections
The dispute has also acquired a political dimension as the country approaches the 2027 General Election.
Ruto has accused opponents in Trans Nzoia of obstructing development, while Natembeya says political differences should not determine whether residents receive government services. The governor has defended his right to criticise the administration and hold the national government accountable.
Tensions have also been heightened by Natembeya’s complaint that his security detail was withdrawn for a second time. He has demanded a formal explanation from Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja, raising concerns about possible political interference.
The confrontation now centres on more than development credit. It reflects a struggle over the boundaries between national and county government, political accountability and the influence of rival camps ahead of the next election.