Ruto meets mitumba traders, promises support

United Democratic Alliance (UDA) presidential candidate William Ruto has promised mitumba traders that his government will support their business.

Speaking at his Karen residence, where he met tens of the traders, Ruto said if he won the presidency, he would introduce legislation that would protect small and medium businesses.

"My government will establish processes and systems that will see the establishment of textile factories here in Kenya and also ensure the growth and expansion of the mitumba trade," Ruto said.

Ruto says mitumba is not a threat to textile industry

He further noted that the mitumba trade is not a threat to the textile industry in Kenya, and the two can co-exist without affecting each other.

Ruto's running mate Rigathi Gachagua said the mitumba trade has existed in the country for many years and cannot be phased out overnight.

"Before Mitumba, many Kenyans at the bottom of the pyramid used to be in rags and near nakedness," he said.

Also present during the meeting were ANC's Musalia Mudavadi, Maendeleo Chap Chap leader Alfred Mutua, and Nairobi governor's seat candidate Johnson Sakaja among other leaders.