Speaking to journalists in Wote, Makueni County, the leaders criticised the government’s handling of the operation, accusing President William Ruto’s administration of disregarding the livelihoods of ordinary Kenyans.
The demolition, carried out on the night of Monday, March 30, flattened structures in the shoe section of Gikomba Market, leaving traders counting losses.
Footage from the scene showed bulldozers and excavators clearing the area, with traders later seen combing through debris in an attempt to salvage goods.
The leaders argued that the manner in which the exercise was conducted failed to consider the welfare of affected traders, many of whom depend on the market for their daily income.
At the same time, the opposition figures renewed their criticism of the Social Health Authority (SHA), with Gachagua alleging financial irregularities in its implementation.
He claimed that the system cost approximately KSh1 billion to set up, questioning the reported KSh102 billion expenditure and alleging that the difference may have been misappropriated.
Gachagua further alleged that a company linked to Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale holds a significant stake in a firm associated with the SHA system, while another company linked to President Ruto controls a majority share in the eCitizen platform.
The claims were not independently verified, and the government has previously denied similar allegations.
The opposition leaders also called on Kenyans to register as voters, urging them to participate in future elections.
The demolitions follow an earlier eviction notice issued to traders operating within the affected section of Gikomba Market. Authorities indicated that the structures had encroached on riparian land.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja had earlier ordered the removal of illegal structures along riverbanks as part of a broader flood mitigation plan. The directive followed the submission of a 48-hour action report by the county’s Infrastructure Subcommittee.
Speaking during an inspection exercise in Westlands on March 19, Sakaja said the operation was aimed at restoring blocked waterways and preventing flooding.
“The directive was clear: within 48 hours, we needed a concrete action plan to address flooding. I have received that report, and implementation is now underway,” he said.
He added that the exercise would be sustained, warning that all structures built along waterways would be removed and urging occupants to vacate voluntarily.
Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino also criticised the demolitions, terming them a major setback for traders.
“Traders at Gikomba lost their businesses, their stock, and their only source of income overnight. This is not leadership. It’s betrayal,” he said.
The demolition has sparked debate over the balance between urban planning enforcement and the protection of livelihoods, particularly in informal trading hubs that support thousands of families.
