Gachagua, Kalonzo Lead Opposition Outcry Over Gikomba Demolitions And SHA Row
Politics Updated: 02 April 2026 23:02 EAT
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.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka on Thursday led a high-profile opposition delegation to Gikomba Market in Nairobi, where they condemned the recent demolition of traders’ stalls and accused the government of economic insensitivity.
The leaders, joined by Eugene Wamalwa and Justin Muturi among others, visited the bustling open-air market a day after a night operation left hundreds of small-scale traders counting losses following the destruction of their businesses.
Addressing traders, Gachagua described the demolition as a “brutal night raid” carried out by what he termed a “clueless regime,” arguing that the move disproportionately targeted vulnerable Kenyans struggling to make ends meet in the informal sector.
“It is an international shame and an absurdity that a regime… has chosen to target helpless traders at the bottom of the economic pyramid, while the powerful continue looting the country,” Gachagua said, drawing cheers and chants from affected traders.
The opposition leaders assured traders of their solidarity, vowing to resist any alleged attempts by powerful individuals to seize the land. Gachagua claimed that “known land grabbers” were behind the demolitions, warning that any such efforts would be exposed and thwarted.
Kalonzo echoed the sentiments, urging traders to remain firm and united in demanding justice, even as he accused the government of hiding behind development projects to justify actions that undermine livelihoods.
The demolition, which took place earlier this week, primarily affected sections of Gikomba Market—one of East Africa’s largest informal trading hubs—where traders deal in second-hand clothes, shoes and household goods.
Government officials have defended the operation, saying it was part of an ongoing exercise to reclaim riparian land and enforce urban planning regulations aimed at reducing flooding and improving infrastructure within Nairobi.
However, the opposition dismissed the explanation as insufficient, alleging that the exercise disregarded court orders and due process, and instead masked a covert scheme to displace traders for private interests.
Gachagua further announced that recovery measures would be instituted from August 10, 2027, promising traders that their market would be restored and their businesses revived under a future administration.
Beyond the demolitions, the leaders also turned their criticism toward Aden Duale, the Cabinet Secretary for Health, accusing him of presiding over alleged corruption within the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Gachagua claimed that billions of shillings may have been lost through irregular dealings linked to the SHA system, allegations that have intensified political tensions despite firm denials from Duale, who has challenged his accusers to provide evidence.
The unfolding standoff highlights growing friction between the government and opposition, with Gikomba traders now caught at the center of a broader political and economic battle over accountability, development, and the protection of livelihoods in Kenya’s informal sector.
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FELIX MAKONA
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