GSU Officers Deployed as Natembeya Orders Traders to Occupy Kitale Market

Fresh tension has emerged in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, after Governor George Natembeya directed traders authorised by his administration to occupy and conduct business at the newly constructed Masinde Muliro Market from Tuesday, November 10, 2026.

The governor’s directive comes amid an escalating dispute between the county government and President William Ruto’s administration over the management and allocation of trading spaces at the modern market.

Natembeya maintained that the facility was constructed to benefit local traders, questioning why some businesspeople who previously operated in the area had been left without stalls despite having received authorisation from the county government.

He insisted that traders holding valid allocation letters issued by his administration should be allowed to access the facility and resume their businesses.

The latest developments have further heightened tensions surrounding the market, which has remained at the centre of a political disagreement between the governor and the national government.

The dispute attracted national attention following the deployment of General Service Unit officers and other security personnel around the facility, with security operations raising concerns among traders and local businesspeople.

The disagreement largely revolves around who has the authority to allocate stalls and determine the rightful beneficiaries of the market.

President Ruto previously directed that traders displaced during construction be prioritised, while the national government maintained that the allocation process should accommodate genuine businesspeople.

Natembeya, however, has defended his administration’s involvement, arguing that the county government has a responsibility to protect traders who previously operated at the site.

The uncertainty has left many businesspeople concerned about their investments and daily livelihoods.

With the governor now directing authorised traders to return, attention is turning to how security agencies and other relevant authorities will respond to the latest instructions.

The unfolding situation threatens to deepen the standoff unless the national and county governments reach an agreement over the management of the facility and the allocation of stalls.

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