Former Deputy President Geofrey Rigathi Gachagua has escalated ongoing onslaught on President William Ruto of defaulting on his commitments he made to Kenyans during the 2022 pre election campaign against night demolitions and evictions.
Speaking during a visit to Gikomba Market’s Kwa Viatu section, where traders were recently relocated following a government-led demolition, Gachagua said the current government had failed to uphold assurances of orderly processes that would protect those affected
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In his characteristic disclosures, Gachagua noted that their campaign pledge was clear: no Kenyan would be removed from their place of work or residence without prior notice and without being offered an alternative location.
“We told Kenyans that no one would be evicted at night and that every Kenyan facing relocation would be shown where to go. Why, then, were the people of Gikomba evicted at night while they were sleeping?” Gachagua posed during his public addresses
Gachagua argued that the demolition carried out earlier in the week left traders without a place to operate, raising concerns over how such actions are implemented.
According to the DCP leader, the situation at Gikomba reflects a wider problem in how government decisions are being handled, especially when they directly affect livelihoods.
Gachagua also used the visit to outline his agenda ahead of the 2027 general election, saying the United Opposition faction intends to reverse the situation if it forms the next government.
He pledged that traders affected by the demolition would be prioritised and allowed to return to their previous working spaces
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“Next year, when we form the government, the people of Gikomba will be allowed to operate from the same area they worked in before,” he said.
He further alleged that President Ruto was attempting to take over the land where the demolitions occurred, claiming that the 15.5-acre parcel was at risk of being repurposed.
He vowed that such a move would not succeed in the long term, adding that it would be reclaimed if the United Opposition assumes power.
Gachagua was accompanied by several opposition leaders, including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Democratic Action Party’s Eugene Wamalwa, and Justin Muturi of the Democratic Party, who also expressed concern over the displacement of traders.