Rigathi Gachagua condemns Gikomba demolition, accuses government of betrayal

Rigathi Gachagua condemns Gikomba demolition, accuses government of betrayal

Former Deputy President and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua has sharply criticised the government over the overnight demolition at Gikomba Market, terming the operation “inhuman” and politically driven.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, Gachagua accused the administration of subjecting traders to unfair treatment after structures at the busy open-air market in Nairobi were brought down overnight, leaving thousands counting losses.

“It is totally unfair for a government to treat its people like we witnessed last night at Gikomba Market,” he said. “I condemn this inhuman and beastly treatment in the strongest terms possible.”

He claimed that traders lost goods worth millions of shillings in what he described as a “cowardly government raid,” alleging the move was part of a covert political scheme.

It is totally unfair for a government to treat its people like we witnessed last night at Gikomba Market, Nairobi. I condemn this inhuman and beastly treatment in the strongest terms possible.

Thousands of Traders, and other small scale traders have had their properties and… pic.twitter.com/uiWA6E7tfK

— Rigathi Gachagua (@rigathi) March 31, 2026

The former DP further linked the demolition to broader governance issues, revisiting his fallout with President William Ruto.

Gachagua alleged that his refusal to sanction forced evictions and night operations was among the reasons behind his impeachment.

“It shall be remembered… we promised never to destroy property or carry out forceful evictions at night,” he said, adding that he had previously defied what he termed as illegal directives.

Gachagua also accused the government of ignoring the plight of small-scale traders and prioritising powerful business interests, warning that such actions risk deepening public anger ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The demolition has drawn widespread attention after structures in the Gikomba shoe market were flattened overnight, with traders reporting heavy losses and little notice prior to the exercise.

Authorities have defended similar operations in the past as necessary for urban planning, safety enforcement, or reclaiming public land, although details surrounding this specific demolition remain contested.

Gachagua expressed solidarity with the affected traders, assuring them of support while calling for accountability from those behind the operation.

“To the Gikomba Market traders, we stand with you,” he said. “Poleni sana.”

These demolitions come amidst a broader, nationwide crackdown by the government aimed at reclaiming riparian land and clearing informal structures that obstruct infrastructure projects.