Mathira MP issues clarity on Karatina Market built by Ruto
Mathira Member of Parliament Eric Wamumbi has moved to clarify confusion surrounding the Karatina Market project referenced by President William Ruto during a recent media interview.
During the interview on March 31, 2025, President Ruto listed Karatina Market as one of the completed projects under his administration, alongside others in 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…” Ruto stated during the interview.
However, his remarks sparked debate online, with some social media users questioning whether the president was taking credit for a market that had been completed under former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration.
In response, Wamumbi issued a statement distinguishing between two different market facilities in Karatina, clarifying that Ruto was referring to a newly constructed project rather than the existing open-air market.
“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 explained in a Facebook post on March 31, 2025.
Ruto’s Mt Kenya tour
The clarification comes ahead of President Ruto’s highly anticipated five-day tour of the Mt Kenya region, which begins today, April 1, 2025.
The Head of State, who arrived at Sagana State Lodge on Monday, March 31, 2025, is expected to commission several completed projects and launch new infrastructure initiatives, including roads, affordable housing units, markets, and industrial parks.
On the first day of his tour, Ruto will visit Laikipia and Nyeri counties, where he will flag off AFD/EU/EIB-funded projects in Rumuruti, Laikipia County, before heading to Kieni, Nyeri County, in the afternoon to commission the Gikamba last-mile electrification program.
On the second day, he will move to Meru and Kirinyaga counties to flag off more AFD/EU/EIB-funded projects.
On April 3, 2025, he will visit Nyandarua and Murang’a, followed by Tharaka Nithi and Embu counties on April 4, 2025.
The final day, April 5, 2025, will see him return to Nyeri and Kiambu.
