The Nairobi Business Community chairman Nelson Githaiga reads a statement urging Opposition leaders to cancel planned demos/HANDOUT

The Nairobi Business Community chairman Nelson Githaiga reads a statement urging Opposition leaders to cancel planned demos/HANDOUT

The Nairobi Business Community has appealed to organisers of the planned demonstrations led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to reconsider holding the protests in the capital.

They warned that such actions could disrupt economic activities and jeopardise public safety.

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In a statement read by Nelson Githaiga, chairman of the Nairobi Business Community, the lobby group expressed solidarity with the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.

The Nairobi Business Community chairman Nelson Githaiga reads a statement urging Opposition leaders to cancel planned demos/HANDOUT

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However, Githaiga argued that Nairobi should not bear the economic brunt of political tensions originating from other regions.

“We fully respect the constitutional right of every Kenyan to peaceful assembly and expression. However, business owners, workers, parents, and residents of Nairobi also have a right to carry on with their daily economic activities without disruption,” Githaiga reiterated.

The Nairobi Business Community chairman Nelson Githaiga reads a statement urging Opposition leaders to cancel planned demos/HANDOUT
He noted that many traders are already operating under difficult economic conditions.

“They cannot afford to close their shops or suspend operations due to demonstrations,” he said, adding that any protests related to the Nyeri events would be more appropriately held in Witima itself rather than in Nairobi.

The business leaders further urged the former Deputy President to hold the demonstrations in the area where he was reportedly teargassed, instead of travelling hundreds of kilometres to stage protests in the capital.

“We call upon our President and the National Police Service to ensure that we are able to conduct our business without disturbances. We also urge the police to uphold the law, maintain peace, and protect businesses, school-going children, workers, and all residents of Nairobi from any unlawful activities,” they added.

“Our appeal is for balance,” Githaiga emphasised. “Respect for constitutional freedoms must go hand in hand with the protection of economic stability and public safety for the people of Nairobi.”

United Opposition’s leaders have invited Kenyans to join them for demonstrations over police brutality and excesses, after a flopped date with Inspector-General Douglas Kanja. 

The Opposition leaders now claim the no-show raises fresh questions about accountability, independence and integrity of the police force, as well as the State’s willingness to address their concerns

Gachagua has publicly condemned Kanja for failing to act after an incident on January 25, 2026, when police officers reportedly ambushed him during a church service at ACK Witima Church.

Gachagua accused the IG of avoiding him and other United Opposition leaders during a follow-up visit to his office.

He warned that they would return on February 20 with 100,000 supporters to confront the IG and hold him accountable.

The opposition leader described the January 25 police operation at the church as an assassination attempt.