Ruto to Natembeya: Governors Do Not Run Countries, They Run Counties

President William Ruto has defended the national government’s role in implementing development projects across the country following disagreements with Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya over projects in the county.

Speaking during a development tour of the North Rift region, Ruto addressed concerns surrounding national government initiatives in Trans Nzoia, including the proposed upgrade of a major hospital and the commissioning of local markets.

The President maintained that governors are responsible for their counties, while the national government has a broader mandate to oversee national development programmes.

“Governors do not run countries; they run counties. Counties exist inside countries, and therefore the person with the mandate of the country is the President,” Ruto said.

He accused Natembeya of opposing government-funded projects for political reasons and insisted that his administration would continue pursuing initiatives intended to benefit residents, regardless of political differences.

“I will not allow the people of Trans Nzoia to suffer because of political hatred, tribalism, and petty politics,” Ruto said, reaffirming his commitment to a hospital project estimated to cost KSh 1 billion.

The exchange highlights ongoing political differences between Ruto and Natembeya, who leads the opposition-aligned Tawe movement in Western Kenya.

Their disagreement has also drawn attention to the relationship between national development priorities and the constitutional powers of county governments.

The Constitution divides responsibilities between the national and county governments, with each level assigned specific functions. Disagreements over projects and their implementation can therefore raise questions about coordination, local authority and accountability.

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