Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Tuesday, March 10, accused President William Ruto of targeting businesses linked to the Mount Kenya region in the ongoing demolition operations.
Speaking to the press at the DCP headquarters, Gachagua alleged that the demolitions carried out in areas such as Roysambu, Githurai and Uhuru Market mainly affected traders from the Gikuyu, Embu and Meru communities.
The former deputy president further claimed that state agencies were being used to target entrepreneurs from the Mount Kenya region, accusing the government of engaging in ethnic profiling.
Rigathi Gachagua Accuses William Ruto of Targeting Mount Kenya Businesses in Demolitions. Photo: Courtesy.
Gachagua also criticised the manner in which the demolitions were conducted, questioning why the operations were carried out at night and raising concerns over the impact on affected traders and business owners.
He went on to claim to have received intelligence reports indicating that more demolitions could target several markets, including Tsunami Market, Nyayo Market, Kamukunji Market, Gikomba Market and Mowlem Market.
Gachagua questioned the motive behind the demolitions, arguing that if the exercise was genuinely meant to reclaim public land, then it should apply equally to all individuals and establishments occupying such spaces.
He cited the continued presence of the Weston Hotel, which has previously faced questions over its location on land linked to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, as an example of what he described as selective enforcement.
The former deputy president also alleged that the demolitions were part of a broader scheme to push GEMA traders out of Nairobi County, claiming the move could affect their participation in the county’s electoral processes.
He further accused President William Ruto of working closely with Johnson Sakaja to undermine businesses associated with traders from the GEMA communities.
The DCP leader said the government acted unfairly by demolishing businesses without providing alternative spaces for traders.
He called on authorities to immediately halt the demolitions and subject the exercise to a transparent review.
His remarks came after the Kenya National Highways Authority demolished structures in Githurai and Roysambu to pave the way for the construction of modern bus bays.
Traders at Uhuru Market also suffered heavy losses after bulldozers flattened their stalls during the demolition exercise.
