GSU officers deployed as Natembeya orders traders to occupy Kitale market

Following Governor George Natembeya's order, traders assigned spaces by the Trans Nzoia County government were directed to occupy Masinde Muliro Market in Kitale on November 10, 2026. The market has become a focal point for a dispute between the national and county governments regarding its management and allocation of trading spaces.

Security measures intensified as the General Service Unit (GSU) deployed additional officers to monitor the market on Monday, November 9, 2026. The heightened presence of GSU officers has raised concerns among traders, who fear potential disruptions to their businesses. Jane Wangare, a trader, reported that customers had already begun voicing concerns about accessing the market due to the increased GSU deployment.

The market chairman, Silas Kilonge, also questioned the entities responsible for issuing business permits and collecting revenue from traders operating at the facility. Natembeya maintained that the county government had the constitutional authority to manage markets and allocate trading spaces, citing a court order as justification for the directive.

However, the decision has faced resistance, with worries that the influx of traders could lead to confrontations at the market. An official warned that any officer failing to provide security in accordance with the court directive would bear personal accountability. The Masinde Muliro Market has been the site of a month-long dispute between the county and national governments, with both sides debating the market's management and the allocation of trading spaces.

The Deputy Speaker of the TransNzoia County Assembly, Obed Mwale, affirmed that market management falls under the governor's purview, emphasizing that his administration would adhere to constitutional provisions. Traders expressed optimism that the dispute would be resolved, enabling them to conduct their businesses without hindrance.