Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya’s administration has given traders occupying Kitale’s Masinde Muliro Market 24 hours to vacate their stalls, escalating a dispute that emerged following President William Ruto’s handover of the facility.
In a notice signed by County Executive Committee Member for Lands, Housing, Physical Planning, and Urban Development Omulo Pius Gumo, the county government directed occupants to remove their goods and vacate the premises within 24 hours.
The administration cited the absence of an occupation certificate, arguing that continued occupation of the building was unlawful under the Physical and Land Use Planning Act, 2019, and its accompanying regulations.
Traders holding valid allocation letters, leases, or other authorization documents were instructed to present them to the county executive’s office for verification.
The county also warned against the unauthorized removal of padlocks installed on stalls, saying those responsible could face police investigations and prosecution.
Dispute over market ownership
The directive comes amid disagreements between Natembeya and President Ruto over the construction, funding, and management of the market, which was officially opened during the president’s visit to Kitale on October 16.
Natembeya has maintained that the county government, with support from the World Bank, played a significant role in developing the facility. He has accused the national government of taking credit for a project undertaken through devolved government structures.
Ruto, however, has said his administration intervened to ensure the completion of the long-delayed project. The market, valued at more than KSh800 million, is expected to provide business opportunities for traders in Kitale and surrounding areas.
The latest notice has raised uncertainty over the occupation and allocation of stalls, with traders facing pressure to establish whether their documents meet the county government’s requirements.
The dispute now places the county administration and traders at a critical point as questions emerge over who is authorized to occupy the facility and under what conditions.
