Gachagua slams state over ‘excessive’ Githurai demolitions

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticised the government over demolitions in Githurai, terming the operation excessive.

 Gachagua said it was unnecessary to deploy a large contingent of police officers at night to oversee the demolition of traders’ structures.

He said the move negatively affected small-scale traders and residents, many of whom depend on informal businesses for their livelihoods.

“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?,” he asked.

The former DP raised concerns about the government’s approach to law enforcement, particularly when many Kenyans are facing economic challenges.

Gachagua called for a more humane and consultative approach when handling matters affecting ordinary citizens.

The former deputy president also questioned the government’s priorities, citing a security incident in Isiolo on February 18, 2026 that saw a deputy principal and teacher at Leparua Secondary School attacked.

He alleged that bandits later raided a police station in the area, leading to loss of lives and theft of livestock.

Gachagua asked why significant security resources were deployed to Githurai while insecurity incidents were reported elsewhere.

The DCP leader urged the government to focus on protecting lives and property across the country.

He expressed solidarity with residents of Githurai and Isiolo and urged authorities to uphold constitutional rights while carrying out enforcement operations.

The government demolished structures, which it said were erected on the road reserve in Githurai 45.

It carried out the demolitions on Wednesday, February 18 at night leaving several traders counting losses.

Excavators and bulldozers were deployed to flatten the structures, which had encroached on the road reserve along the Thika Superhighway.

Kenya National Highways Authority (Kenha) on Monday, January 9, issued a notice directing roadside traders operating in Roysambu and Githurai on the Nairobi-bound side to vacate the road reserve.

The authority instructed all traders operating within the affected sections to remove their wares from the road reserve within seven days from the date of the notice.

"Kenya National Highways Authority wishes to notify all roadside traders along the Thika Superhighway at the Roysambu (both directions) and Githurai (Nairobi direction) sections to clear their wares from the road reserve within seven (7) days of this notice," the notice read.

Kenha said the clearance is intended to create space for the construction of bus bays to improve public transport and ease congestion.

The authority added that the planned construction is part of its wider road safety programme aimed at reducing accidents and ensuring smooth traffic flow along the highway.