NAIROBI, Kenya- Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who is also the leader of DCP Party, has condemned what he described as selective demolitions targeting small-scale traders in Nairobi, accusing the government of ethnic profiling and unfair enforcement of planning laws.
In a statement, Gachagua alleged that the demolition of small businesses in several parts of the city was politically motivated and disproportionately affecting traders from the Kikuyu, Embu and Meru communities.
He claimed the operations were being carried out by the Kenya National Highways Authority under instructions from Roads Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir and President William Ruto.
“We raise issues of humanitarian concern that are taking the style of targeted ethnic profiling of Kikuyu, Embu, and Meru communities in Nairobi that is well calculated to rip them off economically,” Gachagua said.
Sympathy for flood and accident victims
The former Deputy President began his statement by sending condolences to families affected by the ongoing floods across the country and victims of a tragic road accident in Webuye.
“First and foremost, we wish to stand with the families of Kenyans who have lost their lives and property in the ongoing rains and floods, especially in Nairobi and its environs. We send our sympathies to you all and we share in your pain and losses,” he said.
He also expressed sorrow over a road crash in Webuye that left several people dead.
“We also send our deepest sympathies to the victims of the Webuye road crash that left at least 14 people dead and others critically injured. This is extremely painful to our nation,” he added.
‘Night demolitions’ questioned
Gachagua cited recent demolitions in Githurai, Roysambu and Uhuru Market, claiming the operations were conducted under the cover of darkness and unfairly targeted struggling traders.
“The demolitions of Githurai on the night of 18th February, Roysambu on the 5th of March and Uhuru Market on 8th March 2026 are nothing but a pure witch-hunt,” he said.
“These actions are not only insensitive to the economic realities facing millions of Kenyans but also raise serious questions about fairness, consistency and the true motives behind the enforcement exercise.”
He further questioned why similar action had not been taken against large establishments alleged to sit on public land.
“If it is genuine that public land and spaces should be vacated, why is Weston Hotel standing tall on KCAA land and other properties owned by corrupt city officials and national politicians?” he asked.
Allegations of political motive
The DCP leader also claimed he had intelligence that the government was attempting to weaken the political influence of traders from the Mt Kenya region in the capital.
“We have intelligence information that President William Ruto has vowed to displace the GEMA vote in Nairobi by sweeping their small-scale businesses and push them to the countryside,” he alleged.
He warned that the political consequences would be felt in the next general election.
“If you think and believe that your only problem in this country are the GEMA communities, then wait for the outcome of the 10th August 2027 elections,” he said.
Call to halt demolitions
Gachagua urged authorities to suspend the demolitions and review the enforcement exercise to ensure fairness and transparency.
“I therefore call upon the relevant authorities to immediately halt these demolitions and subject the entire exercise to a transparent and fair review,” he said.
“Any enforcement of planning regulations must be humane, lawful, and uniformly applied across the board from the smallest roadside stall to the most prominent commercial establishments.”
He warned that selective enforcement risks fueling ethnic tensions and eroding public trust.
“Selective enforcement undermines public trust, fuels perceptions of political victimization, and deepens ethnic and social tensions in our country,” he said.
“Kenya is a nation governed by law, not by selective convenience for political ends.”
