Gachagua criticizes KeNHA over Githurai demolitions
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua condemned the demolition of traders’ stalls in Githurai, Kiambu County, accusing the government of deploying excessive force and acting without compassion.
Gachagua termed the operation by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) as “senseless and inhuman,” claiming that hundreds of police officers were deployed in the dead of night to destroy property belonging to small-scale traders.
“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,” he said.
Gachagua argued that the demolitions reflect a government that has “lost all sense of compassion and justice,” accusing it of treating struggling citizens like criminals amid a harsh economic climate.
He further criticized what he described as elite leadership disconnected from the realities facing ordinary Kenyans, saying the actions in Githurai were evidence of misplaced priorities.
The former DP also took aim at Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, accusing him of hypocrisy for allegedly claiming to understand the plight of small business owners while presiding over heavy-handed crackdowns.
Gachagua questioned the urgency of the demolitions, particularly the decision to conduct them at night.
“What was the supposed urgency behind the Githurai demolitions and the deployment of a full government force on innocent citizens at a dead night hour?” he posed.
He contrasted the operation with a security incident in Isiolo County, where a deputy principal identified as Mr. Gatobu of Leparua Secondary School was reportedly attacked and killed by bandits on February 18, 2026.
According to Gachagua, the same bandits later raided a police station in the area, stealing livestock and killing Kenya Police Reservists (KPR) officers and civilians.
“Yet hundreds of police officers are dispatched to brutalize Mama Mboga in Githurai?” he asked.
The outspoken politician concluded by expressing solidarity with residents of Githurai and Isiolo, urging Kenyans to defend their constitutional rights.
“To the people of Githurai, and Isiolo, I stand with you as we look forward to liberation. But before that, Kenya is our country and no one should take away your constitutional rights,” he said.
The government and KeNHA had not immediately responded to Gachagua’s remarks at the time of publication.