DP Ruto: My gov't will protect mitumba traders, build modern markets

Deputy President William Ruto now says, if elected president at the August polls, his government will introduce legislation that will protect small and medium enterprise traders, especially those of imported second hand clothes popularly known as ‘mitumba.’

DP Ruto, speaking when he hosted a section of Gikomba market mitumba traders at his Karen residence on Tuesday, said the business is not a threat to the textile industry in Kenya, adding that the two sectors serve different segments and can co-exist.

“My government will establish process and systems that will see the establishment of textile factories here in Kenya, and also ensure the growth and expansion of the mitumba trade,” Ruto said.

“Every business must be respected, protected and boosted to become bigger and betters.”

The deputy president also stated that his government as well as the Nairobi County government will build new modern markets that will have specific areas for second-hand traders.

DP Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party presidential running mate Rigathi Gachagua said Mitumba had given many Kenyans dignity.

"Before mitumba, many Kenyans at the bottom of the pyramid used to be in rags and near nakedness," said the Mathira Member or Parliament.

Nairobi Senator and UDA’s governor candidate Johnson Sakaja claimed the frequent Gikomba market fires are engineered to displace the traders.

Sakaja pledged to repossess the land in Gikomba that has allegedly been illegally taken over by some government agencies if elected the county boss in August.

The Senator further asked DP Ruto to declare the over 16 acres Gikomba land public and gazette it as an open air market if he ascends to the house on the hill.

Susan Kemunto, speaking on behalf of the mitumba traders, said they are seeking government protection for the business just like any other.

She raised the issue of the heavy duty the traders pay to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) at the port, which she said is forcing many of them to seek financing from shylocks.