Governor Natembeya Reveals What He Will Do About Ruto’s KSh1 Billion Hospital Project

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has rejected claims that he is against the construction of a KSh1 billion hospital in the county, saying residents should benefit from every development project.

Natembeya addressed the controversy on Monday, October 19, as his political disagreement with President William Ruto continued to attract attention.

The governor said his responsibilities as county chief should not be confused with his personal political choices, arguing that he was willing to cooperate with the national government on projects despite supporting a different candidate for 2027.

Natembeya said he would welcome Ruto to Trans Nzoia in his capacity as president but would not support his presidential campaign. He identified Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as his preferred candidate.

His remarks followed accusations from Ruto and his allies that the governor had frustrated national government development initiatives, including the planned Kitale Level 5 Hospital. The KSh1 billion project was launched by Ruto on October 16.

Natembeya now says he will not obstruct construction and has invited Kenya Defence Forces personnel involved in the project to proceed. He has also proposed converting Wamalwa Kijana Hospital into a university after the new facility is completed, arguing that the area already has several hospitals.

The hospital dispute comes alongside a separate confrontation over Masinde Muliro Market in Kitale. Natembeya has maintained that the county government completed the project, while the national government has been involved in its launch and operations.

Tensions escalated on Monday when police prevented Natembeya from accessing the market, with water cannons deployed as protests erupted. The incident has prompted criticism from opposition-aligned leaders over the handling of the dispute.

Natembeya’s latest position therefore places the disagreement less on whether Trans Nzoia should receive development and more on who controls, implements and receives political credit for projects in the county.

https://www.tuko.co.ke/politics/643653-george-natembeya-responds-claims-s-opposed-construction-ksh-1b-hospital-trans-nzoia/

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