Gachagua Accuses Government of Ethnic Targeting in Nairobi Demolitions

By Andrew Mbuva.

Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has accused the government of carrying out what he termed as targeted demolitions against traders from the Kikuyu, Embu and Meru communities in Nairobi, warning that the actions risk deepening ethnic and economic tensions in the country.

In a statement issued Tuesday, Gachagua first conveyed condolences to families that have lost loved ones and property due to the ongoing heavy rains and flooding in Nairobi and surrounding areas. He also expressed sympathy to victims of the recent Webuye road crash that claimed at least 14 lives and left several others critically injured.

Gachagua, however, turned his criticism to the government’s ongoing demolition operations in parts of Nairobi, which he claimed were being selectively enforced against small-scale traders from the GEMA communities.

He cited the demolition of structures in Githurai on February 18, Roysambu on March 5 and Uhuru Market on March 8, describing the operations as a “witch-hunt” allegedly carried out by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) under instructions from Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir and President William Ruto.

According to the former Deputy President, the demolitions are insensitive to the economic realities facing many Kenyans and raise serious questions about fairness and the motives behind the enforcement exercise.

Gachagua further claimed that several other trading areas dominated by Kikuyu, Embu and Meru traders have been earmarked for demolition. The markets he listed include Tsunami Market in Starehe Constituency, Nyayo Market, Kamukunji Market, Gikomba Market, Morlem and City Cotton.

He questioned the manner in which the operations have been conducted, arguing that if the demolitions are legitimate, they should not be carried out at night.

“If public land and road reserves must be reclaimed, the law should apply equally to all,” he said, pointing to properties such as Weston Hotel, which he claimed stands on land belonging to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, as examples of establishments that remain untouched despite long-standing disputes.

Gachagua argued that the perceived double standards undermine the rule of law and fuel public distrust in government institutions.

“The law appears harsh on the weak but hesitant when it comes to powerful interests. Justice must never operate on the principle of strength versus weakness,” he said.

The DCP leader also alleged that he had received intelligence indicating that President Ruto intends to weaken the political influence of the GEMA communities in Nairobi by displacing small-scale traders from their businesses.

He warned that such actions could have political consequences ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Gachagua further criticized the government for demolishing informal businesses at a time when many Kenyans are grappling with a difficult economic environment.

He described small traders as the backbone of the informal economy and said destroying their livelihoods without offering alternative solutions was unjust and irresponsible.

The former Deputy President also urged the government to redirect its efforts toward addressing pressing urban challenges such as poor drainage systems and disaster management in Nairobi, especially as the city continues to experience heavy rains and flooding.

He warned that selective enforcement of planning regulations risks fueling perceptions of political victimization and ethnic discrimination.

Gachagua called on authorities to immediately halt the demolitions and subject the entire process to a transparent and fair review.

He maintained that any enforcement of planning laws must be humane, lawful and applied uniformly to all properties, regardless of their size or ownership.

“Kenya is a nation governed by the rule of law, not by selective convenience for political ends,” he said.