Nairobi — Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged over 6,300 traders in New Gikomba Market to ignore opposition leaders encouraging them to resist relocation from the Nairobi River area.

Kindiki appealed to the traders to give the government a few months to complete construction of a modern 7 multi-storey market.

He assured them the government has records of all current traders and confirmed that they will be given priority to return once the new facility is ready.

He also rebuked former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over remarks seen as insulting to women leaders in the Mt. Kenya region, warning him to stop political insults and claims of controlling the region, and stressing that it is the people of Kenya who will decide their preferred leaders in the 2027 elections.

The Deputy President made the remarks while inspecting infrastructure projects in Kirinyaga County.

During the visit, he also reaffirmed the government's commitment to upgrading the Makutano route into a dual carriage which will commence before the end of this year.

The road expansion is expected to enhance connectivity between Kirinyaga, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, and Meru counties, and will feature three lanes to improve transport and regional trade.