The Linda Mwananchi movement criticised President William Ruto on Monday for what it described as overstepping his constitutional mandate in the Masinde Muliro Market project in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County.

The market, named after liberation leader Pius Henry Masinde Muliro, was commissioned by the Trans Nzoia County Government in the 2017/18 financial year at a cost of Sh874,280,383, a responsibility the party says lies with devolved authorities.

The Office of the Auditor General’s 2023/24 audit flagged delays, seven contractor extensions that altered the project cost, missing land‑ownership documents and the contractor’s absence during a September 10, 2024 inspection.

According to the movement, Governor George Natembeya inherited these audit queries but has since addressed them, with the Senate County Public Investments Committee (CPIC) conducting an inspection and issuing a “bill of health” to the county.

The CPIC reportedly praised the county’s efforts, stating that the audit concerns have been resolved and commending Governor Natembeya for his actions.

Police, water‑cannon‑equipped security units and heavy equipment were deployed at the market on Monday, a move the party says was intended to intimidate the governor ahead of his scheduled visit.

The movement accused President Ruto of trying to associate himself with the market to compensate for a perceived lack of national‑government projects, linking the episode to his earlier involvement in the affordable‑housing scheme.