Kaluma takes on Natembeya, asks Ruto to take hospitals and markets he rejected to Homa Bay

Homa Bay's Town MP Peter Kaluma has launched a fresh critique of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, questioning his behavior amidst a mounting political feud with President William Ruto over development ventures. In an X post on October 21, 2026, Kaluma queried why Natembeya, a former National Government Administrative Officer, was publicly challenging the president regarding projects slated for Trans Nzoia.

"How did Natembeya, a former NGAO, become so undisciplined and disrespectful?" Kaluma inquired. The legislator also implored Ruto to shift the disputed development projects to Homa Bay County, stating locals there would embrace the hospitals and markets. "President Ruto: kindly provide us with these hospitals and markets he refuses to allocate to Homa Bay," Kaluma concluded.

This dispute stems from a disagreement between Ruto and Natembeya over the national government's role in development projects in Trans Nzoia. The conflict centers on the proposed upgrade of Kitale Level 5 Hospital and the Masinde Muliro Market in Kitale, with both leaders exchanging accusations about project ownership, funding, and the responsibilities of national and county governments.

Natembeya contends that certain projects fall under the county government's jurisdiction and accuses the national administration of claiming credit for work carried out by his administration. The governor has also expressed doubts about the national government's strategy for the proposed hospital project, asserting that the constitutional roles of county governments must be upheld.

Ruto, meanwhile, has accused Natembeya of obstructing development efforts and maintained that his administration will advance plans to enhance healthcare infrastructure in the county.

The latest altercation adds to the political strain between the President and the governor as debates over development priorities and the management of public projects persist in Trans Nzoia. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen further heightened the tensions with an attack on Natembeya over his plans to organize protests against a Ksh1 billion hospital project initiated by Ruto.

Murkomen expressed shock at Natembeya's intention to lead demonstrations against a healthcare initiative that he deemed crucial for improving access to medical services for Trans Nzoia residents and neighboring counties. "I have never witnessed such a level of foolishness, Your Excellency," Murkomen remarked, voicing his disapproval of the reported plans.

The CS emphasized that healthcare facilities remained a pressing concern for many Kenyans and cautioned against demonstrations that could hinder progress in expanding medical services.