The Linda Mwananchi movement has come to the defence of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya amid his standoff with President William Ruto over the Masinde Muliro Market in Kitale.
In a statement, Linda Mwananchi, Head of Communication Pauline Njoroge accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of disregarding the Constitution and the role of county governments.
Njoroge said the dispute over the market represented a wider struggle to protect devolution and prevent the national government from taking over functions constitutionally assigned to counties.
Njoroge said the market held historical and political significance for the people of Trans Nzoia, having been named after the late Masinde Muliro, a liberation icon and an early advocate of devolution.
“For the local communities in Trans Nzoia County, therefore, it is not merely a trading venue, but also a monument in commemoration of freedom, liberty and the indomitable spirit of devolution, as espoused by the late Muliro,” she said.
The movement questioned the national government’s determination to associate itself with the market, arguing that the project was initiated by the county government and should be managed in accordance with the constitutional division of responsibilities between the two levels of government.
According to Njoroge, the project was commissioned by the County Government of Trans Nzoia in the 2017/18 financial year at a cost of Sh874.28 million.
However, the Office of the Auditor-General raised queries in its 2023/24 audit report over delays in completing the project, seven extensions granted to the contractor, variations in the project cost, documentation relating to land ownership and the contractor's absence during a physical inspection on September 10, 2024.
Njoroge said the audit queries had been inherited by Natembeya from the previous county administration.
She added that the Senate County Public Investments Committee had directed the governor to address the queries and complete the project to ensure value for money.
The committee later inspected the project and, according to the statement, acknowledged the county government's efforts to resolve the audit concerns and complete the market.
Njoroge maintained that the outstanding audit issues had since been resolved and that Natembeya had been commended by the Senate committee.
The governor has said his disagreement with the President stems from what he considers disregard for the Constitution and the responsibilities of county governments in managing devolved functions.
He has also argued that the national government should invest in a university rather than take over projects falling under the county's mandate.
Linda Mwananchi described the dispute as part of a broader struggle by supporters of devolution to defend the constitutional order.
She urged Natembeya and residents of Trans Nzoia to remain steadfast, declaring the movement's support for the governor.
