Natembeya: I’ll Work With Ruto as Governor, but Sifuna Gets My 2027 Vote

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has drawn a line between his official duties and his political choices, saying he is ready to work with President William Ruto on county projects while refusing to back him in the 2027 presidential race.

Speaking on Monday, Natembeya said his cooperation with the national government is limited to his role as governor and does not extend to campaign support. He named Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as his preferred candidate for the presidency in 2027.

The governor also rejected claims that he has been blocking development in Trans Nzoia. He said such accusations are being spread by allies of the President who want to portray opposition figures as opponents of progress.

Natembeya’s remarks come amid signals that the national government intends to build a KSh 1 billion hospital in the county. The plan has been reported but has not been confirmed as approved or under way. The governor said military personnel should be left to carry out construction work without interference, though it is not confirmed whether they are currently on site.

On the dispute at Masinde Muliro Market, Natembeya moved to calm traders. He confirmed that those already allocated stalls can resume business immediately. Traders who were displaced but have not yet received stalls should continue operating from their current locations, he said.

The governor warned that no county official will be allowed to harass or intimidate traders. His statement follows tensions over the allocation of space at the market.

Natembeya’s dual position—cooperating with the national government on service delivery while opposing its re-election bid—sets up a delicate balancing act in Trans Nzoia, a county that has often been a political battleground. His open backing of Sifuna adds another variable to the early jostling for the 2027 race.

The national government has not publicly responded to the governor’s remarks. It also remains unclear when the proposed hospital project will move from plan to implementation.

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