Ruto: I will build hospitals despite differences with Natembeya

President William Ruto says the government will proceed with construction of the Trans Nzoia hospital despite his political differences with Governor George Natembeya, stressing that the facility belongs to the people and should not be affected by disagreements between leaders.

The President said the Trans Nzoia project is part of a wider expansion of specialised healthcare infrastructure, alongside ongoing hospital projects in Kapsabet, Kakamega and Bungoma, and a project recently launched in Kitale.

“Yule wa Trans Nzoia ako na kisirani lakini hospitali nitajenga kwa sababu hospitali sio yake, ni ya wananchi,” he said during a church service in Kapsabet, Nandi County.

“Yeye akiwa mgonjwa anaweza kuenda ngambo lakini wengine hawawezi kwa hivyo lazima nitajenga.”

He said another 10 hospitals are already being developed in different parts of the country, including Bomet, Embu and Kwale, with a further 15 hospitals expected to begin construction from next year.

Ruto maintained that access to healthcare must come before political differences, noting that ordinary citizens cannot always afford to seek treatment elsewhere and therefore need quality hospital services closer to home.

The battle over development projects in the county between President Ruto and Governor Natembeya escalated on Saturday after the county boss dismissed the Head of State's launch of the newly constructed Masinde Muliro market in Kitale.

Natembeya has accused President Ruto of taking credit for county projects during his visit to the region.

Governor Natembeya said he would not be intimidated by threats to his security and dared police to arrest him.

The escalating tiff has seen Governor Natembeya’s security detail withdrawn.