NAIROBI, Kenya – Linda Mwananchi has accused President William Ruto of interfering in the management of the Masinde Muliro Market in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, amid a dispute involving Governor George Natembeya and the national government.
In a statement issued on Monday, October 19, 2026, the political movement defended Natembeya’s handling of the market project, arguing that the construction and management of markets fall under county governments as part of Kenya’s devolved functions.
The group said the market was constructed by the Trans Nzoia County Government and described it as a landmark associated with the legacy of the late politician Masinde Muliro, a prominent advocate of freedom and devolution.
Linda Mwananchi also questioned the national government’s involvement in the project, accusing the President of crossing the boundaries of his constitutional mandate.
Linda Mwananchi Cites Audit Queries Over Market Project
The movement said the Masinde Muliro Market project was commissioned by the Trans Nzoia County Government in the 2017/2018 financial year at a cost of KSh874.28 million.
However, according to the statement, the Office of the Auditor-General raised several queries in its audit report for the 2023/2024 financial year.
The concerns included delays in completing the project, seven extensions granted to the contractor, variations in the project cost and missing documentation relating to land ownership.
The statement further claimed that the contractor was absent during a physical inspection conducted by auditors on September 10, 2024.
Linda Mwananchi said the audit queries were inherited by Natembeya’s administration from the previous county government.
It added that the Senate County Public Investments Committee (CPIC) directed the governor to address the concerns and complete the project to ensure value for public money.
According to the group, the committee later inspected the project and commended the county government’s efforts to resolve the audit issues.
The movement said the audit queries had since been resolved and that Natembeya had received recognition from the Senate committee.
These claims were presented in the movement’s statement and could not independently be verified from the material provided.
Group Backs Natembeya in Devolution Dispute
Linda Mwananchi accused the national government of using state security agencies to intimidate the governor during the standoff over the market.
The group said the dispute reflected wider concerns about the relationship between the national and county governments and the constitutional division of responsibilities under devolution.
It vowed to oppose what it termed attempts to extend the national government’s economic model to projects undertaken by county administrations.
The movement also called on Natembeya and residents of Trans Nzoia County to remain steadfast, insisting that the market should serve local communities in accordance with the Constitution and the principles of devolution.
