Gikomba Market Raid Sparks Outrage: Rigathi Gachagua Condemns Government Action

 Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has strongly condemned the overnight demolition of Gikomba Market, describing the operation as “inhuman and beastly” and calling it an attack on Kenya’s small-scale traders.

In a statement released following the raid, Gachagua said, “Thousands of traders and small-scale businesspeople have had their properties and items worth millions of shillings destroyed in a night of a cowardly government operation, which covertly appears to be politically motivated.”

The market, one of Nairobi’s largest trading hubs, was reportedly bulldozed in the early hours of the morning without prior notice to traders. Many vendors say they lost their merchandise and livelihoods, sparking fears of economic hardship for affected families.

Gachagua highlighted that the current government’s actions violate prior commitments made during the 2022 general elections, when the ruling party pledged never to carry out forceful evictions or night raids on citizens. “It shall further be remembered that one of the charges during my illegal impeachment was my refusal to carry out such inhuman orders from Mr. William Ruto,” he said.

The former Deputy President went on to criticize President William Ruto and his administration, claiming that their policies now favor corporate interests over ordinary Kenyans. “The red-eyed Pharaoh cannot hear anyone anymore; he doesn’t care about human life, small-scale farmers, or businesspeople. Only cartels, big corrupt corporates, and oligarchs matter,” Gachagua said.

He warned that the government’s actions represent a serious threat to the nation, urging citizens to remain vigilant. “You have your day, your power, and the sword, but power is quickly going out. 10th August 2027 will be the time to realize what Kenyans are saying,” Gachagua stated.

Closing his statement with a show of solidarity, he pledged support to affected traders: “To the Gikomba Market traders, I shall, and we the people of Kenya, stand with you. May it be what it shall.”

The demolition has reignited national debates over the treatment of informal sector workers and the limits of government authority, with calls for compensation and reforms to prevent future incidents.