Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has dared police to arrest him as his political feud with President William Ruto escalates over development projects in the county.
Natembeya on Saturday vowed to storm the newly launched Masinde Muliro Market in Kitale on Monday and reopen it for traders, accusing the national government of taking credit for a county-funded project.
He also threatened to challenge the construction of the new Kitale Level 5 Hospital, questioning the national government’s involvement in projects he says fall under the county administration.
The governor’s remarks followed Ruto’s two-day tour of Trans Nzoia, during which the president criticized his administration over healthcare services, development projects, and the stalled Kitale Stadium.
Ruto defended his government’s involvement in the projects, pledging KSh1 billion towards the construction of the new hospital while accusing Natembeya of frustrating development efforts.
The dispute spilled into violence in Kitale on Friday evening when rival political supporters clashed following separate political rallies involving the president and leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement.
The National Police Service reported that two police officers were injured and two government vehicles damaged during the confrontation. Police also said leaders associated with the movement were tear-gassed after addressing a rally in Kitale.
The tensions came amid broader political divisions in the region, with Natembeya emerging as a vocal critic of Ruto’s administration ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The governor has maintained that the national government should respect devolution and allow county administrations to take responsibility for projects under their mandate.
He has also raised concerns over the reported withdrawal of his security detail following his criticism of the government.
