Ruto accuses Natembeya of blocking development projects in Trans Nzoia

President William Ruto has taken a swipe at the opposition, dismissing its chances in the 2027 elections.

Speaking in Trans Nzoia during a national tree-planting exercise, President Ruto took on Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, accusing him of blocking development projects by the national government in the county.

“Mimi niko na pesa ya kuwajengea hospitali hapa, lakini kwa sababu ya kisirani ile iko hapo, hiyo hospitali imechelewa kwa sababu ya siasa mbovu, siasa ya kisirani, ya hasira na chuki. Hiyo nafasi imekosekana,” said Ruto.

Ruto dismissed the opposition as a weak challenge in the 2027 elections, warning its leaders to prepare for a political showdown.

“Na wale majamaa wengine msijali, na wao wale nitawashughulikia bana. Hawa nitakutana na hao, na nimewaambia wajipange,” added Ruto.

He accused the opposition of lacking a clear development plan, insisting the country needed policies and vision.

“Hii Kenya tunataka ipangwe na maendeleo. Haitaki makelele, haitaki chuki, haitaki ukabila, haitaki matusi. Hii Kenya inahitaji mpango bana, na inahitaji sera, na inahitaji maono,” said Ruto.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who accompanied the President, accused Natembeya of blocking development projects, including the construction of Kenyatta Stadium in Kitale and other sports facilities in the county, which he said had denied young people opportunities to nurture their talents.

“The stadium in Kitale should be constructed to the same standards as stadiums in the rest of the country. We know you wanted to construct it, but the Governor refused to hand it over,” he said.

Kiminini MP Kakai Bisau added: “Maendeleo mnaona sasa, nyinyi watu wa Trans Nzoia, muache kupatia Rais kazi ngumu. Nyinyi ndio mko na chini ya miezi kumi kufukuza huyo mkabila.”