Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has reportedly gone into hiding after his home was raided, according to a statement shared by Abigael Gikonyo, a member of Linda Mwananchi’s Digital, Media and Publicity Team on October 19.
Abigael, however, confirmed that the governor was not at his residence during the raid.
Following the raid, the Linda Mwananchi member cited the incident as an effort to silence opposition voices defending constitutionalism and the rule of law.
She reaffirmed that the party would continue speaking out against actions it considers unlawful.
“The home of George Natembeya has also been raided in an attempt to harass him, but they did not find him! We will continue to call out this regime and their unlawful attempts to silence voices of the opposition that protect and uphold the rule of law! Sisi hatununui uoga!,”Linda Mwananchi stated.
Also Read: Linda Mwananchi Furious as Natembeya’s Security is Withdrawn
Linda Mwananchi Backs Natembeya in Kitale Market Project
Reports of George Natembeya going into hiding came shortly after Pauline Njoroge, Head of Communication at the National Secretariat, criticized President William Ruto’s involvement in the Masinde Muliro Market in Kitale.
In a statement dated Monday, October 19, Pauline called out Ruto, saying the Trans Nzoia County Government commissioned the Masinde Muliro Market in the 2017/18 financial year at a cost of KSh 874,280,383.
In addition, the Head of Communication at the National Secretariat clarified that the Office of the Auditor-General raised queries in its 2023/24 audit report concerning delays in completion, seven contract extensions, variations in project costs, and land ownership documentation.
According to Njoroge, Natembeya inherited the outstanding audit issues from the previous administration and subsequently worked to resolve them.
Further, she emphasized that the Senate County Public Investments Committee inspected the project and acknowledged the county government’s efforts to address the audit concerns.
“The Office of the Auditor General in its audit report for FY 2023/24 raised audit queries on delayed completion of the project, unprecedented 7-time extension by the contractor leading to variation of the project cost, ownership of land due to lack of submission of documents by the county govt, absence of the contractor during physical inspection by auditors on 10th September 2024,” Abigael stated.
Also Read: Police Go After Linda Mwananchi Politicians Following Kitale Chaos
Political Tensions Surrounding the Market
Njoroge argued that the dispute goes beyond the market itself, describing it as part of a wider debate over the protection of devolution and the division of responsibilities between national and county governments.
She criticized the reported deployment of police and heavy security at the market during the standoff, saying the situation raised concerns about intimidation and respect for constitutional principles.
“Ruto’s deployment of police and heavy security hardware at the market during this standoff confirms what we already knew: that his dwindling political fortunes have reached a point where he increasingly relies on state force as a survival mechanism,” part of the statement explained.
Linda Mwananchi also expressed solidarity with Natembeya and the people of Trans Nzoia County, pledging to resist what it described as attempts to undermine devolution and silence opposition voices.
CS Murkomen Warns George Natembeya Against Interfering with Ruto’s Projects
On October 18, Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen issued a warning to Governor George Natembeya against plans to halt the construction of Kitale Level 5 Hospital.
According to the CS, the governor threatened to destroy machines delivered to the hospital and protest the president’s development plans in the county.
CS Murkomen called out the governor, explaining that the developments were not meant to benefit the governor but the citizens.
In addition, Murkomen emphasized that the opposition party members, including Natembeya, lacked the mindset to lead Kenyans.
Murkomen further alleged that the opposition were planning how to benefit themselves and only had thoughts about drinking.
Masinde Muliro Market Project
The conflict between President Ruto and Governor George Natembeya escalated in October 2026.
Natembeya challenged Ruto’s planned launch of the market, arguing that the county government should receive recognition for the project.
However, Ruto proceeded with the opening on October 16, prompting further tensions over the market’s management, the allocation of stalls and the role of the national government in county development projects.
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