Ruto Uses Trans Nzoia Development Tour to Rally Support Against Natembeya

President William Ruto has criticised Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya over healthcare services and development, while announcing billions of shillings in projects during a tour of the county ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during engagements with residents, Ruto questioned the county government's management of healthcare, citing challenges at Wamalwa Kijana Referral Hospital. He accused Natembeya's administration of failing to meet residents' needs and said the national government would intervene to improve services.

The President announced plans to allocate Sh1 billion towards the construction of a new hospital facility. He said leaders should prioritise essential services and development instead of political campaigns and mobilisation.

Ruto argued that healthcare delivery was a key measure of leadership performance and said elected officials should be judged by their ability to improve people's lives. His remarks placed Natembeya's record in office at the centre of the political debate during the visit.

The dispute also raised questions about the division of responsibilities between national and county governments. Although healthcare services are largely managed by county administrations, major infrastructure projects often require national government support. Ruto's proposed intervention placed both levels of government under scrutiny over their respective roles in addressing healthcare challenges.

The President also used the tour to highlight politicians who could challenge Natembeya in the 2027 gubernatorial election. Those associated with the effort included Kiminini MP Kakai Bisau, former Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa and former Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha.

Their presence alongside Ruto signalled growing efforts by Kenya Kwanza leaders to build a political alternative to Natembeya in Trans Nzoia. Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang, Endebess MP Robert Pukose and Bisau also criticised the governor, accusing his administration of failing to deliver major development projects. They argued that the county needed leadership capable of working closely with the national government.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen went further, openly calling for a change of leadership in Trans Nzoia. He linked the county's development prospects to cooperation with the national administration, reinforcing the position taken by other Kenya Kwanza allies.

Natembeya has increasingly emerged as a vocal critic of Ruto's administration. In recent months, the governor has expanded his political engagements beyond Trans Nzoia, taking part in national debates on governance, regional politics and opposition alliances.

His growing national profile has made him a more prominent opponent of the President, adding significance to the political contest taking shape in the county.

Alongside his criticism of the governor, Ruto announced several development commitments covering roads, markets, housing and electricity.

He pledged Sh18 billion for the tarmacking of more than 270 kilometres of roads across Trans Nzoia, as well as Sh7 billion for works on the Maili Tisa-Kitale road.

The President also announced Sh190 million for the completion of the Kiminini modern market and Sh1.5 billion for the construction of 15 modern markets across the county.

On housing, Ruto cited ongoing investments worth Sh17 billion under the affordable housing programme, including student accommodation projects expected to benefit thousands of learners. He further announced Sh10 billion for rural electrification projects targeting more than 10,000 households.

In the health sector, the President said more than 410,000 Trans Nzoia residents had enrolled in the Social Health Authority programme. He presented the figure as evidence of progress in expanding access to medical coverage, while acknowledging the need to improve service delivery.

Ruto also widened his political attacks beyond Trans Nzoia, criticising former President Uhuru Kenyatta over his alleged support for political opponents. He said he had supported Kenyatta during his presidency but was now facing opposition from people linked to the former Head of State.

The President also accused opposition leaders of relying on ethnic mobilisation and criticism of the government instead of presenting clear policy alternatives. He challenged them to explain how they would address the country's challenges and deliver services to citizens.