NAIROBI, Kenya- Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has condemned the government’s use of force during last night’s demolitions in Githurai, describing the action as “senseless and inhuman”.
He has accused President William Ruto’s administration of prioritising the destruction of traders’ property over addressing serious security threats elsewhere in the country.
Gachagua criticised the deployment of hundreds of police officers in the dead of night to dismantle businesses and structures belonging to small traders in Githurai, saying the operation reflected a government that had “lost all sense of compassion and justice.”
He argued that such measures terrorised innocent citizens struggling in a challenging economic environment, portraying them as criminals rather than livelihood builders.
“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?” Gachagua posed.
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.Such actions are a grave affront to
He said the Government’s approach showed “lack of empathy and understanding” by the current regime.
The former deputy president contrasted the heavy police presence in Nairobi with what he described as a lack of response to a violent attack in Isiolo County on February 18, where a Deputy Principal and teacher of Physics and Mathematics was allegedly stabbed multiple times by bandits.
Gachagua argued that such serious security incidents should be a priority, referencing ongoing crime and insecurity in regions like Isiolo where law enforcement has been conducting operations to recover illegal firearms and stolen livestock.
These operations earlier this month yielded dozens of guns and hundreds of recovered animals amid broader efforts to curb banditry.
Gachagua’s remarks reflect deep frustration with what he perceives as misplaced priorities by the government, which he accused of concentrating law enforcement resources on demolition activities while “hundreds of police officers are dispatched to brutalise Mama Mboga in Githurai.”
He urged solidarity with residents of both Githurai and Isiolo, saying Kenyans deserve dignity and constitutional rights regardless of their location or socio‑economic status.
The former deputy president’s critique adds to ongoing political tensions in Kenya as the nation approaches the 2027 general election, with Gachagua himself positioning as a key opposition figure after his departure from office in 2024.
Gachagua has remained vocal in national discourse since leaving office, frequently critiquing government policy and actions.
His rhetoric has at times drawn official rebukes from current leaders who have accused him of reckless and divisive commentary.
His latest statement underscores a broader narrative among opposition figures who argue that development challenges, including informal traders’ rights, economic hardship, and insecurity, require more balanced and empathetic governance.
As public debate intensifies over demolitions, administrative priorities, and security responses across Kenya, Gachagua’s comments are likely to influence discussions around leadership accountability and law enforcement conduct ahead of the upcoming election cycle.
