President William Ruto has slammed leaders for mobilising traders at Gikomba against moving to pave the way for the transformation, yet they do not shop at the market.

Speaking on Thursday, April 9, 2026, during the special address of the Nairobi County Assembly, Ruto explained that the same leaders who are against the new move by the government are encouraging an uncondisive work environment for the traders.

“When a leader goes and mobilises people in Gikomba and tells them not to move, continue to do your business in filth and in the mud. That leader, they buy nothing from Gikomba, they never go to Gikomba to shop anything,” Ruto stated.

On his part, the head of State revealed that the leaders opposing the changes by the government often shop at big malls, which, in turn, he says, is unfair.

“When they finish talking in Gikomba, they will go to Sarit Centre and do their shopping, they will go to the Hub and do their tradings. Honestly, are we being fair?,” Ruto said.

Govt commitment to Gikomba

On the other hand, Ruto has lauded the leadership of Gikomba Market for stepping up to firmly address the challenges faced by the traders.

Speaking on Thursday, April 9, 2026, during the special address of the Nairobi County Assembly, Ruto explained the events that led to the transformation of Gikomba market, one of the largest open markets in Africa.

According to Ruto, the vision of transitioning Gikomba was brought forth by the leadership of the open market, an initiative that the President said was touching.

“I was very touched when I saw the leadership of Gikomba Market step forward and say we want our market to be built, stop the politics, and I had a long chat with them,” Ruto said.

Ruto explained that the leaders explained the challenges faced by the traders, especially during heavy rains.

“The leadership of Gikomba came to see me, they said Mr President, when it rains in Nairobi, we can not go and do our business; we have to wear gumboots, our customers can not get to our stalls, our stalls are flooded, we can not do business this way,” Ruto explained.

Ruto further affirmed that his administration will fully support the traders in having a conducive work environment.

“I am putting public resources to change Gikomba and I am committed. The people i am struggling with are land grabbers, we are going to transform Gikomba in the next six months,” Ruto affirmed.