Governor Natembeya Clashes With County Commissioner Over Saluting Ban, Calls Him Ruto’s Gateman

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has hit back at County Commissioner Hussein Allaso after the administrator directed national government officers to stop saluting him.

Natembeya accused Allaso of acting like President William Ruto’s gateman instead of carrying out his duties professionally. The governor also urged the commissioner to avoid emotional reactions and remember that political power can change hands.

The dispute escalated on Mashujaa Day, October 20, when Allaso reportedly instructed deputy county commissioners, assistant county commissioners, chiefs and assistant chiefs to withhold official courtesies from Natembeya.

Allaso linked the directive to the governor’s alleged disrespect towards Ruto. He reportedly argued that administrators should not extend respect to a leader who does not respect the Head of State.

The confrontation comes amid growing tensions between Natembeya and the national government over the Masinde Muliro Market in Kitale. The governor maintains that the county government and the World Bank financed much of the project, with the county contributing approximately KSh500 million.

Ruto officially opened the market, but Natembeya has accused the national government of taking credit for work partly funded by the county. He has also raised concerns about interference in the allocation of market stalls.

In his response to Allaso, Natembeya questioned whether the commissioner would maintain the same attitude if the government changed after the 2027 General Election. He argued that public officers should rely on professionalism rather than political praise.

The exchange has renewed debate about the relationship between elected county leaders and national government administrators. Governors and county commissioners have different responsibilities, with commissioners representing the national government in their respective counties.

Natembeya has remained a vocal critic of Ruto’s administration and is associated with the opposition-linked Tawe movement. The latest dispute adds another chapter to the strained relationship between the governor and national government officials in Trans Nzoia.

https://www.facebook.com/share/19rLBN98Ec/