President William Ruto, on Saturday, August 5, directed his entourage to purchase a sculpture from a Githurai resident who interrupted his rally.
While launching Githurai Market in Kiambu County, the head of state was compelled to recognise the resident who arrived at the rally while displaying his piece of art.
Other residents cheered him on, attracting the attention of the President, who paused his speech to address the artist's need.
"I have seen the work you have done. Give them Ksh100,000 in exchange for it," he stated amid applause from the crowd.
The sculpture mirrored State House built inside a glass showcase, adorned with décor and manicured gardens. The nearby crowd assisted the resident in handing over the sculpture owing to its sheer size and stature.
At the rally, Ruto thanked the area residents for their support and votes in the 2022 General Election and also castigated the opposition for organising nationwide demonstrations against his government.
"I want to tell the opposition we will not allow anyone to cause chaos in the country. The threats from the opposition to acquire a part in government will not happen. I will be tough on them," Ruto warned.
The head of state further promised to fast-track development projects in Kiambu County, including setting up ICT hubs in every ward to enable youths to access digital jobs.
"I promised to reduce the cost of fertiliser from Ksh7,000 to Ksh2,500. This is because we want to assist the farmers in producing food and essentially lower the cost of living. The only way we can do this is by helping the farmers."
"We are also here to declare that Githurai residents will access water in the comfort of their homes. You have also been buying 20-litre water at Ksh20. From today, you will be purchasing at Ksh3," Ruto stated.
He further pledged to build 15 ultramodern markets in Kiambu County and 400 nationwide, as part of his Bottom-up Economic Model, after the successful launch of Githurai Market.
The market aims to provide a clean and conducive environment for traders to conduct their businesses efficiently.
Ruto directed Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi to ensure the traders settle in the market in a fortnight. He also ordered Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga to provide a detailed plan for phase 2 of the market, which would be launched in a year.
