In a statement posted on his official X account on Thursday, April 2, 2026, the former Deputy President blamed the administration of William Ruto for what he described as a brutal crackdown on small-scale traders.
Opposition leaders rally behind traders
Gachagua said he joined several opposition leaders in visiting the traders affected by the demolitions.
Among those present were Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, and Justin Muturi.
“Together with my colleagues Hon. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, Hon. Eugene Wamalwa, Hon. JB Muturi and several leaders from across Kenya, we joined the small-scale business people in Gikomba Market following the brutal night raid on their businesses by a clueless regime elected in 2022,” Gachagua said.
He also alleged that the demolitions were linked to attempts by land grabbers to take over the market.
“Dear people of Gikomba Market, we stand with you. Any attempt to seize your market by known land grabbers, whose reputation precedes them, will remain thwarted,” he stated.
Recovery plan announced
Gachagua further promised that efforts to restore the market would begin on August 10, 2026.
“Your market will not be taken, and any efforts to do so will be exposed. Recovery measures will be instituted effective 10th August 2026,” he added.
Meanwhile, President William Ruto has defended the government’s decision to demolish parts of the market, saying the move is part of a broader plan to modernise the facility.
Speaking during a Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Organization meeting at State House Nairobi on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, the president said the government had consulted with the market’s leadership before implementing the upgrade project.
“I held discussions with Gikomba market leaders, and they asked me to help them upgrade the facility. This is a commitment we must honour,” Ruto said.
According to the president, the redevelopment was necessary due to the poor condition of the market, where traders often operate in muddy conditions during the rainy season.
Ruto also dismissed claims that the demolitions were politically or ethnically motivated, warning leaders against using the issue to incite divisions.
Gachagua said he joined several opposition leaders in visiting the traders affected by the demolitions.
Among those present were Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, and Justin Muturi.
“Together with my colleagues Hon. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, Hon. Eugene Wamalwa, Hon. JB Muturi and several leaders from across Kenya, we joined the small-scale business people in Gikomba Market following the brutal night raid on their businesses by a clueless regime elected in 2022,” Gachagua said.
He also alleged that the demolitions were linked to attempts by land grabbers to take over the market.
“Dear people of Gikomba Market, we stand with you. Any attempt to seize your market by known land grabbers, whose reputation precedes them, will remain thwarted,” he stated.
Recovery plan announced
Gachagua further promised that efforts to restore the market would begin on August 10, 2026.
“Your market will not be taken, and any efforts to do so will be exposed. Recovery measures will be instituted effective 10th August 2026,” he added.
Meanwhile, President William Ruto has defended the government’s decision to demolish parts of the market, saying the move is part of a broader plan to modernise the facility.
Speaking during a Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Organization meeting at State House Nairobi on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, the president said the government had consulted with the market’s leadership before implementing the upgrade project.
“I held discussions with Gikomba market leaders, and they asked me to help them upgrade the facility. This is a commitment we must honour,” Ruto said.
According to the president, the redevelopment was necessary due to the poor condition of the market, where traders often operate in muddy conditions during the rainy season.
Ruto also dismissed claims that the demolitions were politically or ethnically motivated, warning leaders against using the issue to incite divisions.
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