Stop inciting Gikomba traders, we're building a world class market for them: DP Kindiki to opposition

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has asked traders in Gikomba, Nairobi, not to be incited to reject a modern market by clueless politicians who have no plan for them.

Prof. Kindiki said it will only take a few months to complete the modern facility that will accommodate thousands of traders who already have a stake in the market. 

"We are requesting the 6,300 traders of Gikomba market to give us a few months to build a modern market for them and their years of suffering, including persistent fires, will be a thing of the past," the DP said. 

He spoke on Thursday in Kirinyaga County where he inspected several projects under construction by the government in the devolved unit.

He checked the progress of Mukarara Modern Market and Riakithiga- Ngungu- Kiang’ombe Road in Gichugu Constituency.

The DP accused opposition leaders of looking to score cheap political points by inciting the traders without presenting a viable option to the perennial troubles facing them. 

"There are those political opportunists inciting our people to stay in unsafe and risky places prone to floods and fires. We are urging our traders to be a bit patient and understanding, and allow the Government to construct a decent, modern first world status market," he noted.

The DP said the government is overseeing massive development across the country with all counties benefitting from equitable share of projects.

In Kirinyaga County alone, 510 kilometres of roads are underway at a cost of Ksh.29 billion. Gichugu Constituency has received 100 kilometres of tarmac roads.

The county has also been allocated Ksh.440 million to connect 7,500 additional households to electricity.

The DP added that phase one of the affordable housing project in Mbaragwe—comprising 110 units built at a cost of Ksh.270 million—is complete. Phase two, which will include nearly 500 units, is set to begin at a cost of Ksh.1.2 billion.

Further, construction of 580 hostel rooms at Gichugu TVET is underway at a cost of Ksh.192 million.

“In Kirinyaga County, we have allocated Ksh.15 billion for modern markets, roads, affordable housing and hostels,” he said.

Prof. Kindiki called on political leaders to be respectful regardless of political affiliations, emphasizing that leadership will be decided by the people.

“Stop looking down and insulting leaders, especially our women leaders who were elected by the people. You have no power to decide who should lead or not, that power lies with the people,” he said.

He was accompanied by Kirinyaga Deputy Governor David Githanda, MPs Gichimu Githinji (Gichugu), Mary Maingi (Mwea), PS for Public Health Mary Muthoni, MCAs local leaders and residents.