KITALE, Kenya — A fresh allegation involving Trans Nzoia County Commissioner has emerged amid the escalating political differences between President William Ruto and Governor George Natembeya.
The commissioner is alleged to have instructed Deputy County Commissioners and chiefs to stop showing respect to Natembeya over claims that the governor had disrespected the Head of State.
However, the alleged directive remains unverified, and there is no independently confirmed evidence establishing that the instruction was issued.
The claims come against the backdrop of an increasingly public disagreement between Ruto and Natembeya over development projects and the respective responsibilities of national and county governments.
The dispute has drawn attention to projects in Kitale, including Masinde Muliro Market, as the two leaders continue to differ over development priorities and the role of their respective administrations.
The latest allegation, if confirmed, would raise questions about relations between national government administrators and an elected county governor.
Under Kenya’s devolved system of government, national and county governments are constitutionally distinct but are expected to cooperate in delivering services to residents.
The County Commissioner’s office and Governor Natembeya’s administration should clarify whether the alleged directive was issued and the circumstances surrounding the claim.
Until confirmation is obtained, the allegation should not be treated as an established instruction from the national government.