Linda Mwananchi has accused President William Ruto of interfering with the Masinde Muliro Market in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, warning that the move undermines devolution and the Constitution.
In a statement issued on Monday, October 19, 2026, the political outfit defended Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, insisting that the market is a county government project and should remain under the jurisdiction of the devolved unit.
The statement argued that the market, named after former politician and devolution advocate Pius Henry Masinde Muliro, holds historical significance for residents of Trans Nzoia beyond its role as a trading centre.
Linda Mwananchi maintained that the construction of markets falls under county government functions, noting that the Kitale facility was initiated by the Trans Nzoia County Government in the 2017/2018 financial year at a cost of KSh874.28 million.
The group also addressed concerns previously raised by the Office of the Auditor-General in its 2023/2024 audit report, including delays in completing the project, seven extensions granted to the contractor, variations in the project cost and questions over land ownership documentation.
According to the statement, the Senate County Public Investments Committee directed Governor Natembeya to resolve the audit queries and complete the project to ensure value for money.
Linda Mwananchi said the committee subsequently inspected the project and acknowledged the county government’s efforts to address the concerns.
“The current status is that the audit queries have been resolved and Governor Natembeya was applauded by the Senate CPIC Committee,” the statement read.
The group accused President Ruto of seeking to associate himself with a project undertaken by the county government, alleging that the move raises questions about the national government’s intentions.
It further drew comparisons with the affordable housing programme, suggesting that the President could be seeking to benefit from the market project. The statement did not provide evidence to substantiate the allegation.
Linda Mwananchi also criticised the reported deployment of police officers and heavy security equipment at the market during the standoff, arguing that the use of state security forces heightened tensions.
“The intimidation and persecution of Governor Natembeya will only embolden us to stand firm and defy these attempts to return us to a dark era,” the group declared.
The statement framed the dispute as part of a wider struggle to protect devolution and uphold the Constitution, expressing support for Governor Natembeya and the people of Trans Nzoia County.
Linda Mwananchi urged residents to remain firm, arguing that county governments should retain control over projects falling within their constitutional mandate.
The group also issued a political warning ahead of the 2027 General Election, predicting that a new generation of political actors would mobilise voters to remove the current administration from power.
“We stand with Governor Natembeya and the people of Trans Nzoia County. 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 concluded.
The statement was signed by Pauline Njoroge, Head of Communication at the National Secretariat.
