Mathira MP Clears the Air: Who Really Built Karatina Market – Ruto or Uhuru?
Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi has addressed the confusion sparked by President William Ruto’s recent remarks about the Karatina Market during a media interview. Ruto, in an interview on March 31, 2025, listed Karatina Market as one of the completed projects under his administration, claiming the market, along with others in the Mt. Kenya region, was ready for use.
The president’s statement, which included references to ongoing projects across the region, caught the attention of social media users, many of whom questioned the timeline. Some believed that Ruto was claiming credit for a project that was initiated under the leadership of former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Ruto’s Confusion Over Karatina Market
During the interview, President Ruto mentioned the completion of the Karatina Market, emphasizing the progress made across the Mt. Kenya region. “Nine other markets are being built in Meru, ongoing as I’m talking to you, and not just in Meru alone. Eighty-seven markets are being constructed in every part of the Mt. Kenya region. I’ve told you the one here in Karatina is ready, and the Naromoru market is continuing to be built…” he stated.
These remarks were quickly met with debate, as some questioned whether Ruto was taking credit for the Karatina project, which had been completed earlier during Uhuru Kenyatta’s tenure. The market in question, which is a crucial part of the Karatina town’s economic activities, was indeed developed under the previous administration, leaving many to wonder if Ruto had mistakenly mixed up the timing.
Wamumbi’s Clarification on Karatina Market
To clear the air, Wamumbi released a statement explaining that the market Ruto referred to was a new facility, not the existing open-air market that was completed during Kenyatta’s presidency. He took to Facebook to clarify that the market in question was one that had begun construction eight months ago under the current administration.
“The president has talked about Karatina town marikiti market, which we started 8 months ago, and is now complete and awaiting opening. Not the Karatina open-air market which was done by President Uhuru Kenyatta,” Wamumbi wrote. His clarification aimed to settle the confusion by making it clear that Ruto’s comments were in reference to a newly built project, not one completed previously.
Ruto’s Mt Kenya Tour Kicks Off
This clarification arrives just as President Ruto embarks on his highly anticipated five-day tour of the Mt. Kenya region. Beginning on April 1, 2025, Ruto will visit multiple counties to commission several completed projects and launch new initiatives. His itinerary includes launching affordable housing units, roads, markets, and industrial parks.
The president arrived at Sagana State Lodge on March 31, 2025, to kick off the tour. On the first day of his visit, Ruto will visit Laikipia and Nyeri counties, where he is expected to flag off projects funded by AFD, EU, and the EIB. He will also commission the Gikamba last-mile electrification program in Kieni, Nyeri County. The following days will see him travel to Meru, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Murang’a, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, and Kiambu counties, where he will continue to inspect and launch various regional projects.
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Mathira MP Clears the Air: Who Really Built Karatina Market – Ruto or Uhuru?
