- Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya clarified his position on President Ruto and county development projects on October 19, 2026
- Natembeya declared his personal support for Edwin Sifuna as his preferred presidential candidate ahead of 2027
- The governor addressed the status of Masinde Muliro Market stalls and a military-run hospital construction project in Trans Nzoia
Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Trans Nzoia - Governor George Natembeya has drawn a sharp distinction between his role as a county governor and his personal political convictions, stating he has no objection to working with President William Ruto in his official capacity but will not back him in the 2027 presidential race.
Source: Facebook
Speaking during an interview on Monday, October 19, 2026, Natembeya addressed accusations that he was obstructing development in the county, pushing back against what he described as a deliberate attempt by Ruto's camp to mischaracterise his opposition.
Natembeya separates official duties from political allegiance
"Mimi kama Gavana wa Trans Nzoia, sina shida kufanya kazi na Rais Ruto. Lakini mimi kama George Natembeya, nina shida kufanya kazi na William Ruto. Kama angekuja Trans Nzoia kama Rais wa Kenya, ningempokea. Lakini alikuja kama mgombea wa urais, na mimi nina mgombea wangu wa urais, ambaye ni Edwin Sifuna," the governor said.
The statement comes after the national government signalled plans to construct a KSh 1 billion hospital in Trans Nzoia, with suggestions that Natembeya had been resistant to such projects. He denied the claims outright.
"I will not oppose you building a hospital in Trans Nzoia. We also need development because we also pay taxes. Because you're obsessed with building hospitals, come and build one but stop lying that I'm opposing development," Natembeya said.
Natembeya addresses market stalls and hospital construction
Beyond the political dispute, the governor used the occasion to issue directives on two pressing local matters.
He confirmed that traders who had been allocated stalls at Masinde Muliro Market should resume business without disruption, while those who had not yet received allocations but were displaced during the market's construction should continue operating from their current locations. He added that no county official would be permitted to harass or intimidate them.
On the hospital project, Natembeya said military personnel should be allowed to proceed with construction work without interference.
"We want all the projects initiated by the president to be completed before the elections. We don't want him to use Natembeya as an excuse for failing to deliver on the promises made to the people of Trans-Nzoia," he said.
The governor also accused the president's allies of trying to paint opposition figures as enemies of progress.
"Ruto wants to portray us as people who are opposed to development. Na tumemuonea 18! We have now made our decision," Natembeya said.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
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