The Linda Mwananchi Movement has accused President William Ruto of interfering with the Masinde Muliro Market in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, in what it describes as an attempt to undermine devolution and the constitutional mandate of county governments.
In a statement issued by its Head of Communication, Pauline Njoroge, the movement defended Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, insisting that the market is a county government project and should be managed in accordance with the Constitution.
The movement argued that the market, named after liberation icon and veteran politician Pius Henry Masinde Muliro, represents the principles of freedom, constitutionalism and devolution.
It maintained that the responsibility for constructing markets falls under county governments and noted that the Masinde Muliro Market project was initiated by the Trans Nzoia County Government in the 2017/2018 financial year at a cost of Sh874.28 million.
The statement cited an Auditor-General’s report for the 2023/2024 financial year that raised concerns over delays in completing the project, seven extensions granted to the contractor, variations in the project cost and questions regarding ownership of the land.
The audit also reportedly noted the contractor’s absence during a physical inspection conducted on September 10, 2024.
According to Linda Mwananchi, the audit queries were inherited by Natembeya from the previous county administration, prompting the Senate County Public Investments Committee to direct the governor to address the concerns and ensure the project delivers value for public money.
The movement said the Senate committee subsequently inspected the project and acknowledged the county government’s efforts to resolve the outstanding issues and complete the market.
It further claimed that the audit queries had since been resolved and that Natembeya had received commendation from the committee.
Linda Mwananchi accused Ruto of attempting to associate himself with a project funded and undertaken by the county government, questioning the national government’s involvement in the market.
The movement also raised concerns about what it termed the possibility of the President extending his economic model to county government projects, drawing comparisons with the affordable housing programme.
The statement further criticised the deployment of police officers and heavy security equipment during the standoff, describing the move as intimidation against Natembeya and the people of Trans Nzoia.
It argued that the confrontation reflected growing political tensions over the division of responsibilities between the national and county governments.
Linda Mwananchi pledged to stand with Natembeya, saying the dispute was part of a broader struggle to protect devolution and prevent what it described as attempts to erode constitutional gains.
The movement called on the governor and residents of Trans Nzoia to remain steadfast, promising to resist any attempts to undermine the county government’s authority.
It also turned the dispute into a broader political contest, accusing Ruto of failing to deliver on his promises and predicting that Kenyans would have an opportunity to vote his administration out in the 2027 General Election.
“The Masinde Muliro Market must serve the people for whom it was built, with full respect for devolution, the Constitution and the rule of law,” the statement said.
The statement was signed by Njoroge on behalf of the Linda Mwananchi Movement’s National Secretariat.
The dispute over the Kitale market has brought renewed attention to the division of responsibilities between the two levels of government, particularly the management of public projects and the need to ensure accountability for public funds.
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