Last Sunday’s meeting between President William Ruto and Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) from Trans Nzoia at the Eldoret State Lodge has sparked speculation over a possible political realignment in the county ahead of the President’s planned development tour.
The engagement comes amid efforts by the Kenya Kwanza administration to consolidate its influence in the region as the 2027 General Election approaches.
Of the county’s 33 MCAs, 30 attended the meeting. Only Deputy Speaker Obed Mwale (Matisi Ward), Minority Leader Boniface Makhanu (Saboti) and John Makhanu (Sinyereri) — all close allies of Governor George Natembeya — were absent.
Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya when he appeared before the Senate County Public Accounts Committee at Bunge Tower in Nairobi on September 23, 2025.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group
Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang and Kiminini MP Kakai Bisau who helped coordinate the meeting said discussions centred on development priorities.
“The meeting focused on preparations for the President’s visit and aligning on key development initiatives to enhance service delivery and spur inclusive growth across the county,” Senator Chesang said.
President Ruto’s engagement comes after he skipped development tours in Trans Nzoia last year, a move government sources attributed to Opposition politics allegedly orchestrated by Governor Natembeya.
Both Mr Chesang and Mr Bisau are vocal critics of the governor’s leadership with Mr Bisau having already declared interest in contesting the Trans Nzoia gubernatorial seat in 2027.
The Eldoret meeting took place shortly after Governor Natembeya hosted a separate gathering at his Kitale residence to outline the county’s 2026 development agenda.
Political observers say the parallel meetings underscore growing divisions within the county assembly as leaders position themselves ahead of the next election cycle, even as Governor Natembeya retains majority support in the assembly.
The governor has repeatedly criticised President Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration, citing delays in the implementation of national government projects in Trans Nzoia.
After 60 days out of his office, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya returned to his office on July 21, 2025.
Photo credit: Evans Jaola | Nation Media Group
Through his Tawe Movement, Mr Natembeya has also championed the interests of the Mulembe Nation and last June hosted opposition leaders, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Some residents welcomed the President’s engagement with MCAs, saying development in the county has suffered due to persistent political wrangles.
“We are happy that the President met our MCAs so they can plan for the county’s development agenda. It would have been even better if the governor was present, but this is a positive step for residents,” said Mr Peter Waswa of Saboti.
Others lamented that certain elected leaders had allegedly misadvised the President against visiting the county.
Last year, leaders allied to the Head of State—including Endebess MP Dr Robert Pukose, Kwanza MP Ferdinand Wanyonyi and Mr Bisau—blamed internal politics for President Ruto’s failure to tour Trans Nzoia throughout 2025.
Kenya’s representative to UN-Habitat Dr Susan Nakhumicha and former Kiminini MP Dr Chris Wamalwa also criticised unnamed UDA leaders for allegedly misleading the President and undermining development efforts.
Kenya’s representative to UN-Habitat Dr Susan Nakhumicha.
Photo credit: Evans Habil | Nation Media Group
“The President should have been here to grace the Mazingira Day celebrations, but some colleagues misadvised him that he would be heckled. This kind of politics hurts development,” Dr Nakhumicha said.
Meanwhile, a section of MCAs allied to the President expressed frustration that some local leaders have misrepresented Governor Natembeya to the Head of State.
Led by Sikhendu MCA Andrew Kutitila, they accused Kenya Kwanza leaders of prioritising political manoeuvres over development.
“We raised the issue of projects the President had promised us in previous meetings. It is unfortunate that some leaders have chosen petty politics and personal interests over the needs of the people,” Mr Kutitila said.
