Natembeya Fires Back at Ruto Over Delayed Hospital Construction in Trans Nzoia

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has hit back at President William Ruto after he blamed the 'Tawe' movement for the delayed construction of a hospital in the county.  

Speaking on Saturday, October 10, Governor Natembeya said he is not opposed to development, arguing that it is a right for all Kenyans, including Trans Nzoia residents. 

He said that the Trans Nzoia locals also pay taxes and have elected Members of Parliament who are expected to ensure that public funds reach communities and support development projects.

“Today, Ruto said that Natembeya has rejected development because of the Tawe movement. I have not rejected development, and development is not about Natembeya requesting the President. 

“Development is a right for all Kenyans, including the people of Trans Nzoia. We pay taxes, and we have Members of Parliament who are supposed to ensure that the money reaches the grassroots,” he said. 

The Trans Nzoia Governor also questioned the legal basis of the national government allocating money for the hospital project without an agreement with the county. 

Governor Natembeya insisted that health is a devolved function and the county should be involved before any project is undertaken. 

"Mr. President, health is a devolved function. Under what law are you sending money to Endebess Hospital without an agreement with the Governor of Trans Nzoia? It is simply a matter of following the law,” he said.

Further, Natembeya said he is not answerable to the president and asked him to observe protocol when visiting the county.  

“I am not a county commissioner or a regional commissioner. I am the governor of Trans Nzoia, elected by the people, and I am not answerable to you. The person answerable to you is the county commissioner, not me,” he added. 

This comes after President Ruto blamed the Trans Nzoia County leadership for their culture of opposing every project the government wants to undertake, including the construction of a state-of-the-art hospital.

He claimed that other counties in the region, including Kakamega, Bungoma, and Uasin Gishu, already had major hospitals being constructed, yet the county lagged. 

"I know that you have an issue with hospitals. In fact, there is a hospital you have nicknamed 'Shakahola' because when patients go there, they do not return.

"The hospital in Trans Nzoia has been delayed because of frustration from the leaders, but I will sort it out. I have money to build the hospital here, lakini kwa sababu ya Tawe, maneno ya ujunga ya kupinga kila kitu," Ruto stated.