Meru Governor Mutuma M'Ethingia has proposed renaming Soko Mjinga Market in Meru town to Bethsaida, arguing that the current name creates a negative perception of traders operating at the market. During a visit to the market, M'Ethingia asked traders whether they supported changing its name, and they backed the proposal, requesting new signage bearing the proposed name. The governor stated that the name Soko Mjinga gives the impression that traders are foolish.
The proposal came after an incident where police allegedly lobbed tear gas at traders while enforcing a court order linked to a private individual claiming ownership of the land. M'Ethingia vowed to protect the interests of traders operating at the market, saying his administration would not allow them to be pushed out of a place where many earn their livelihoods. He accused unnamed individuals of attempting to take over the land and warned that failure to challenge such claims could put other public properties in Meru town at risk.
M'Ethingia expressed his anger towards the unnamed individual claiming ownership of the land, stating that if he could get hold of that person, he would take action. He urged the traders not to be afraid, assuring them that the county government would stand with them in the dispute. The governor compared his response to a parent defending their child, emphasizing his commitment to protecting the traders.
M'Ethingia linked the traders' situation to the government's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), arguing that small-scale traders were among the ordinary Kenyans the government had promised to economically uplift. He maintained that such traders should be protected from displacement, particularly because many depend on their businesses for their livelihoods. The governor emphasized the importance of supporting these traders.
During his visit, M'Ethingia also criticized former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi and former Meru governor Peter Munya. He accused them of behaving as though leadership in the county revolved around them. M'Ethingia targeted Linturi over his criticism of the county administration's development record, dismissing the former Cabinet secretary's political attacks.
M'Ethingia defended his administration's development record, pointing to developments at Meru Level Five Hospital, which he said was progressing towards Level Six status. He also cited the ongoing construction of Gakoromone Market, which he put at KSh1.6 billion. The governor argued that previous leaders had failed to pursue developments that could improve services and create economic opportunities for residents.
The governor's proposal to rename the market and his defense of the traders reflect his administration's commitment to supporting local businesses and protecting public interests. M'Ethingia's efforts aim to promote economic growth and stability in Meru town, ensuring that traders can operate without fear of displacement. The renaming proposal will be put into consideration.
Key points
- Meru Governor Mutuma M'Ethingia proposes renaming Soko Mjinga Market to Bethsaida due to negative connotations associated with the current name.
- The governor vowed to protect traders from displacement and accused unnamed individuals of attempting to take over the land.
- M'Ethingia defended his administration's development record, citing progress at Meru Level Five Hospital and the construction of Gakoromone Market.
