Ruto-Natembeya Row Takes New Twist as Trans Nzoia County Commissioner Reportedly Issues Fresh Orders to Chiefs

The political row between President William Ruto and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has taken a new twist after County Commissioner Allasow Hussein issued fresh orders to chiefs and other local administrators in the county.

Speaking during Mashujaa Day celebration at Naminit Comprehensive School in Chepchoina, Trans Nzoia County on Tuesday, October 20, Hussein directed administrators to stop saluting Natembeya, linking the decision to the governor’s strained relationship with the President.

He said that chiefs and local administrators should not salute Governor Natembeya, arguing that anyone who disrespects President William Ruto should not expect respect from others.

The Trans Nzoia County commissioner added that he was making the declaration without fear.

“Anybody who doesn’t respect the President, don’t respect him. From today, nobody is allowed to salute the governor. There’s no respect for anybody who doesn’t respect the President. If you disrespect the President, we will also disrespect you. I say that without any fear,” he said.

The directive comes days after Ruto and Natembeya engaged in a public dispute over development projects in the county, particularly the proposed upgrade of Kitale Level 5 Hospital and the Masinde Muliro Business Park market.

During his October tour of Trans Nzoia, Ruto accused Natembeya of frustrating development projects and announced plans to invest KSh1 billion in upgrading the hospital. The President also criticised the governor’s handling of healthcare services.

Natembeya challenged the hospital project, questioning the national government’s involvement in county functions and calling for respect for the constitutional responsibilities of elected governors.

The two leaders also clashed over the Kitale market, with Natembeya maintaining that his county government had completed the facility and deserved recognition for the work.

The disagreement escalated on Monday, October 19, when Natembeya attempted to access the market but was blocked by police officers. The standoff came after Ruto commissioned the facility during his visit to the county.

The governor has also raised concerns over the withdrawal of his security detail, demanding an explanation from the Inspector-General of Police.

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