Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya skipped President William Ruto’s tour of the county, triggering a public exchange between the two leaders over development projects, healthcare and the governor’s Tawe movement.
As Ruto toured Endebess, he accused Natembeya of obstructing national government projects, claiming funds were available to complete key facilities but the governor’s politics stood in the way.
The President cited the Endebess Hospital, where Sh240 million had been spent, saying another Sh100 million was needed to complete the project.
He also cited the Kenyatta Stadium in Kitale, accusing Natembeya of frustrating development through what he described as the retrogressive politics of the Tawe movement.
Ruto accused the governor of promoting tribal and divisive politics through the movement, warning that such an approach was dangerous for a cosmopolitan county.
The President also criticised the state of healthcare in Trans Nzoia, alleging that the sector had deteriorated under Natembeya’s leadership.
He likened Wamalwa Kijana Referral Hospital to Shakahola, citing what he described as high death rates.
Ruto also named potential challengers to Natembeya in the 2027 governor race, including Kiminini MP Kakai Bisau, former MP Chris Wamalwa and former Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha.
He said the county needed leaders focused on development.
But Natembeya swiftly hit back, accusing the President of taking credit for county-funded projects and using development initiatives to gain political mileage ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Where has Ruto been for the last four years? Now he knows elections are nearby. That is why he has come here to launch small county projects that are not budgeted for. He wants to hoodwink our people,” Natembeya said.
The governor argued health services and markets were devolved functions, accusing the President of disregarding the constitutional division of responsibilities between the national and county governments.
Natembeya said the county, with support from the World Bank, had constructed a modern market in Kitale without assistance from the national government.
He accused Ruto of planning to commission the market against the county government’s wishes, insisting the national government should respect devolution.
The governor also accused the President of playing tribal politics through development projects in the region and urged residents to remain firmly behind his leadership.
The exchange exposes the growing political tensions in Trans Nzoia as leaders position themselves ahead of the election, with development projects, the management of devolved services and the Tawe movement emerging as points of contention.
Ruto is expected to return to the county this week for a series of development initiatives, setting the stage for a further confrontation with Natembeya.
