The dispute between President William Ruto and the Governor of Trans Nzoia, George Natembeya, over the Modern Masinde Muliro Market in Kitale is a sad matter

In recent days, that market has become a hub of political tension after President Ruto inaugurated it on October 16, 2026, while Governor Natembeya contested the way the project was taken up by the national government. Natembeya emphasized that the county government built the market using county funds, while President Ruto said the national government contributed to completing the project.

If it is true that the market was built by the county government as Natembeya claims, why does President Ruto involve the project in political controversy instead of acknowledging the county's contribution and ensuring that citizens benefit?

It is important to understand that the question of who funded the construction, who contributed to completing the project, and who should manage the market are matters that must be verified by documents and law. No leader should be given undeserved praise, but no one should be denied recognition of their contribution either.

The only question I ask here is: Why do we reach a point where leaders compete over having their names attached to projects, while the citizens who need services should be the priority?

President Ruto undoubtedly understands that citizens do not care who opened the market, cut the ribbon, or whose name is on the signboard. Citizens look at the developments that have taken place in their lives. They want to know who built them roads, who improved the hospital, who gave traders a better environment to work in, and who fulfilled the promises made during the election campaign.

Similarly, Governor Natembeya should ensure that his claims about the market's funding are supported by clear records, and that the traders affected by the construction are given fair opportunities to do business.

If the project belongs to the county government, the county's contribution should be acknowledged. If the national government contributed to completing the project, its contribution should also be acknowledged. But no side should use the project as a political weapon.

The fundamental point is that the project should serve the people of Kitale and Trans Nzoia as a whole.

When the market is ready for use, traders should be given space in a fair and transparent manner. They should not be excluded on political grounds, nor should they be left out simply because they have no relationship with certain leaders. Ultimately, the market's purpose is to enable citizens to earn a living, not to give leaders a platform for political self‑promotion.

Nevertheless, this should not become a habit in our nation. Every leader should deliver the development they promised to citizens in their area of authority, instead of interfering in others' projects to gain credit.

The President has a duty to implement his national agenda. Governors also have a duty to fulfill their responsibilities in the county. Where cooperation is needed, leaders should collaborate transparently, with mutual respect and in accordance with the Constitution, without meaningless disputes.

I simply ask, when did we, as a nation, arrive at a point where development projects become a battlefield of politics instead of a tool for improving citizens' lives?