By FLEVIAN GEOFFREY: President William Ruto has dismissed critics of the Gikomba Market demolitions, describing the move as a necessary step toward modernizing the country’s largest open-air market.

Speaking at State House during a meeting with the Maendeleo ya Wanawake organization, the President insisted that the redevelopment aligns with his “Bottom-Up” economic agenda.

The head of state revealed that his administration has committed Sh5 billion to transform Gikomba into a world-class trading hub.

An initial Sh800 million has already been allocated for the first phase.

“Nimeweka shilingi bilioni tano ya kujenga soko ya Gikomba ikiwemo shilingi milioni mia nane katika awamu ya kwanza,” Ruto stated, promising a safer, organized environment free from the “mud and sewage” that has historically plagued the area.

Addressing the outcry following the Sunday night demolitions, the President accused the opposition of “politicizing development.”

He maintained that the decision followed direct petitions from Gikomba’s own leadership.

President Ruto further called for an end to the “toxic” political culture of body shaming and insults.

“Hakuna haja ya matusi… ikifika 2027, ni wananchi ndio wataamua,” he said, urging leaders to focus on performance rather than rhetoric.