Tension remains high in Kitale as the standoff between Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and President William Ruto escalates. Heavy police deployments have disrupted business, and a new directive tells local administrators not to salute the governor.

Market under guard

On Monday, 19 October 2026, General Service Unit (GSU) and anti-riot officers were deployed around the newly opened Masinde Muliro Market ahead of a planned prayer service led by Natembeya, Citizen Digital reported. Traders stayed away and roadblocks cut off access to parts of the town.

Police dispersed the gathering at the governor's office. Later that afternoon officers reportedly tried to arrest Natembeya at his Milimani residence, but the attempt failed.

"Don't salute the governor"

The Trans Nzoia County Commissioner has since directed chiefs and other national government administrators not to salute the governor or extend official courtesies to him, Citizen Digital and Eastleigh Voice reported. Natembeya's allies have called the order a deliberate humiliation of an elected leader.

Dispute over market stalls

At the centre of the row is the allocation of stalls at Masinde Muliro Market. Natembeya accuses the President of interfering in the process. The feud has also spread to health projects. After Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen vowed that a Sh1 billion national government hospital in the county would go ahead, Natembeya said he would turn Wamalwa Kijana Hospital into a university.

The governor has also complained that his security detail has been withdrawn repeatedly.

Opposition rallies behind governor

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka called the harassment of Natembeya a national matter. He claimed 2,500 GSU officers had been deployed to Kitale to intimidate the governor. That figure has not been independently confirmed.

Business leaders in Kitale have appealed for dialogue between the county and national governments, warning that the standoff is hurting trade.

Natembeya is one of the most vocal critics of the Ruto administration and was among the leaders at this week's Wamunyoro meeting between Rigathi Gachagua and Edwin Sifuna.

Photos: Citizen Digital