Natembeya vows to confront Ruto over Trans Nzoia market

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has pledged to confront President William Ruto over the allocation of stalls at a market in his county. Natembeya asserts that Ruto removed traders he had chosen and replaced them with unknown individuals. Speaking on October 17, 2026, Natembeya revealed that he had completed the market and organized the traders before the President interfered.

The governor built the market to provide a designated space for traders who had been operating along the roads. Natembeya vowed to ensure that Trans Nzoia traders are allowed to occupy the market, despite the disagreement with the national government. He accused Ruto of taking credit for the project and influencing stall assignments, arguing that the market was meant to benefit local traders.

The governor's remarks follow a previous dispute over the facility, during which he stated that the county government and the World Bank funded its construction. This conflict has exacerbated political tensions between Natembeya and the President, who have been at odds over development projects and Natembeya's "Tawe" political slogan.

Natembeya also criticized what he described as attempts to elevate the provincial administration above county governments, emphasizing that governors have a responsibility to manage county affairs. The latest confrontation occurred days after Natembeya sought an explanation from the Inspector-General of Police over the withdrawal of his security detail, citing the Constitution's guarantee of fair administrative action.