‘No blame game, let’s solve it together’ – Ruto breaks silence over demolition of Githurai stalls
By Kenneth Mwenda, February 22, 2026President William Ruto has addressed the recent demolitions in Githurai during a church service in Kiambu County on February 22, 2026.
He has told local leaders to stop pointing fingers and work together to solve the problem.
Roadside traders in Githurai lost their stalls when the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) cleared the area in the early hours of Thursday, February 19. KeNHA carried out the operation to make space for a modern bus park along the Thika Superhighway.
The authority had given a notice on February 9 to remove structures that encroached on the road reserve. Officials said the encroachments caused safety risks and led to many road accidents.
Traders protested the move. They said the demolitions happened without proper alternatives in place, even though they received a vacation notice. Many counted heavy losses and claimed the action pushed them deeper into poverty.
They accused the government of breaking promises to end forced demolitions. Clashes broke out with police, and parts of Thika Road became impassable as traders lit bonfires in anger.
Gachagua slams night operation
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua condemned the operation. He called it senseless and inhuman and criticised the use of heavy police deployment at night.
“Treating citizens as criminals while they struggle to navigate a mutilated economy is a new low for a government led by elites who are completely disconnected from the realities faced by ordinary people,” Gachagua said.
In Kiambu on Sunday, President Ruto spoke directly about the issue. He urged leaders not to blame each other.
“Kama imetokea shida pale Githurai, tusijaribu kulaumiana. Tusolve the problem, sisi wote. Tusiseme ni fulani, sijui ni fulani. Hapana,” he said.He pointed out that key figures in the area belong to the same party.
“Nataka niwaulize, kuna mtu wa upinzani hapa, si sisi wote ni watu wa serikali. Wamatangi ni governor wa UDA, si mama county ni wa UDA, si mama simba ni wa UDA. Sasa ni nani wa kulaumiwa hapa.”
Ruto stressed shared responsibility.
“Nawauliza nyinyi viongozi. tuwache kunyoosheana vindole vya lawama. Let us solve the problem that emanates from Kiambu County. You have the responsibility to solve the problems of Kiambu County because you are the elected leaders.”
KeNHA defended the exercise and warned of more clearances along Thika Road, including at Roysambu Roundabout, to improve traffic flow and passenger safety. The demolitions highlight ongoing tensions between infrastructure projects and the livelihoods of small traders in busy urban areas.