Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced a firm grip on the recovery of the recently demolished Gikomba market.

In a statement on his official X account on Thursday, April 2, 2026, Gachagua blamed President William Ruto’s regime for being brutal.

“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, Nairobi, following the brutal night raid on their businesses by a clueless regime elected in 2022,” Rigathi stated.

According to Gachagua, while affirming his support for the traders, he revealed that the recent demolitions in Gikomba were linked to land grabbers.

“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 explained.

On his part, the former Deputy President announced efforts to recover the market, stating that the recovery measures shall be instituted from 10th August 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.

Ruto defends demolitions

Meanwhile, Gachagua’s remarks on the recovery of Gikomba come a day after President William Ruto reaffirmed his government’s commitment to proceed with the construction and upgrade of Gikomba Market, despite mounting criticism from opposition leaders.

Speaking during the Maendeleo Ya Wanawake meeting at State House, Nairobi on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, Ruto stated that the plan was informed by prior consultations with the market’s leadership, who had requested government intervention to modernise the trading hub.

“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.

His remarks come at a time when opposition figures have faulted the government over the handling of recent developments at the market, including concerns about the welfare of traders and the manner in which changes are being implemented.

Ruto noted that the upgrade was due to the poor state of the market, which led traders to attend their business in gumboots during rainy seasons.

Ruto dismissed claims that the demolitions are politically driven or based on ethnic considerations, warning against attempts to incite division.