Gachagua Intensifies Ukambani Tour With Makueni Engagements, Condemns Gikomba Crackdown
Politics Updated: 31 March 2026 13:51 EAT
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Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Tuesday continued his political mobilisation tour in the Ukambani region with a series of public engagements in Makueni County, where he combined grassroots outreach with sharp criticism of the government over recent events in Nairobi.
The day began with an early morning walk through the hilly slopes of Makueni, a routine he described as part of maintaining mental and physical fitness ahead of a demanding schedule of public engagements across the region.
Gachagua said the serene environment of Wote and its surroundings provided a refreshing start to his second day of the tour, noting that such moments allow him to reconnect with the people and the land.
During the morning hours, he interacted with local residents, including small-scale traders and farmers, whom he praised for their resilience and commitment to building the country despite prevailing economic challenges.
The former Deputy President later proceeded to Syumile Market in Kathonzweni Constituency, where he addressed traders and residents as part of his wider public engagement programme in the county.
In his address, Gachagua shifted focus to national issues, strongly condemning what he termed as inhuman treatment of traders during a recent government operation at Gikomba Market in Nairobi.
He alleged that thousands of traders suffered losses after their goods and properties worth millions of shillings were destroyed in what he described as a night raid carried out under the cover of darkness.
According to Gachagua, such actions contradict promises made to Kenyans during the 2022 General Election campaigns, when leaders pledged to protect livelihoods and avoid forceful evictions, particularly those conducted at night.
He further claimed that one of the grounds cited in his impeachment was his refusal to comply with what he termed as illegal and inhumane directives to carry out forced evictions during his time in government.
Gachagua directly criticised President William Ruto, accusing him of disregarding the welfare of ordinary Kenyans, including small-scale traders and farmers, in favour of powerful business interests.
In strongly worded remarks, the former Deputy President warned that the current administration risks alienating citizens, arguing that frustrations among Kenyans are steadily growing.
He referenced the emerging “WANTAM” political rallying call, suggesting it reflects a broader public sentiment aimed at limiting the current regime to a single term in office.
Gachagua also linked the Gikomba incident to what he described as a wider pattern of governance involving local and national authorities, warning that such actions could deepen divisions and undermine national unity.
He concluded by expressing solidarity with affected traders, offering condolences for their losses and assuring them of support from leaders aligned with his political movement as the country looks ahead to the 2027 General Election.
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