Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticized the government following the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) demolition of structures on the road reserve in Githurai 45.
In a statement on Thursday, February 19, Gachagua condemned the demolitions, describing them as senseless and inhumane.
He said KeNHA’s actions amounted to a serious violation of human dignity and expressed concern over the treatment of traders during the operation.
Ex-Deputy President Criticizes Government on KeNHA Road Reserve Demolitions. Photo: Courtesy.
Gachagua added that the demolitions reflect a government that has lost compassion and respect for its citizens, calling for more humane approaches in handling such matters.
“It is both senseless and inhuman for this regime to orchestrate extreme brutality and cowardice by deploying hundreds of police officers in the dead of night to destroy the property of traders in Githurai and to terrorize innocent citizens. Such actions are a grave affront to human dignity and reflect a regime that has lost all sense of compassion and justice,” Gachagua noted.
The former Deputy President argued that the demolitions in Githurai highlight how disconnected the government is from the everyday challenges faced by ordinary citizens.
He said the actions serve as a stark reminder of the gap between government decisions and the struggles of common people, attributing the disconnect to poor leadership and policy.
Gachagua also criticized Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, accusing him of deploying police officers to Githurai while bandits attacked Isiolo, killing a teacher and raiding a police station, causing widespread chaos.
The Githurai 45 demolitions carried out by KeNHA on Wednesday night left several traders counting losses, further fueling criticism of the government’s priorities and approach.
KeNHA deployed excavators and bulldozers to demolish structures that had encroached on the Githurai 45 road reserve.
Police officers were stationed at the site to maintain security and supervise the demolition process.
The authority had previously issued a notice on January 9, directing roadside traders at Roysambu (both directions) and the Nairobi-bound side of Githurai to vacate the road reserve.
KeNHA said the clearance is part of plans to construct bus bays aimed at improving public transport and reducing traffic congestion along the highway.
