Nairobi Traders Raise Security Concerns Ahead of Gachagua’s Planned March to IG Kanja’s Office
A group of traders operating in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) has raised urgent concerns over security ahead of a planned demonstration by the United Opposition.
The traders have urged Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to take proactive measures to protect businesses and prevent chaos during the upcoming march.
The demonstration comes after the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) formally informed the police in a letter that they intend to march to Jogoo House on Friday, February 20, 2026.
“The purpose of this letter is to inform you that on Friday, February 20, 2026, we shall pay a courtesy call on you at Jogoo House at 10am,” the party wrote.
According to DCP, the planned protest stems from Inspector General Kanja’s failure to attend a scheduled meeting on February 16. The meeting was meant to address grievances that the party had raised concerning violent incidents, including the chaos that occurred at Witima ACK Church and 24 other reported cases.
These issues were previously discussed during a National Police Service meeting on January 30 at Jogoo House.
On Thursday, however, Nairobi’s business community voiced serious worries about the impact of such protests. Traders pointed out that past demonstrations of this nature have led to heavy financial losses and questioned the government’s preparedness to safeguard their businesses.
They stressed that the disruptions could force many traders, already struggling in tough economic times, to temporarily or permanently close their shops.
The traders, including shopkeepers, hawkers, boda boda riders, and public service vehicle (PSV) operators, warned that insufficient security arrangements could put both people and property at significant risk.
The unrest traces back to an earlier incident involving DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua, who had attended a church service as part of a political strategy to consolidate support in the Mount Kenya region and counter the influence of President William Ruto.
During the service, police reportedly deployed teargas inside the church, causing panic among congregants, including children and the elderly.
Some attendees were forced to flee in terror, while one vehicle in Gachagua’s motorcade was torched and others were damaged or pelted with stones by masked individuals and alleged goons.
Gachagua described the attack as a state-sponsored effort by a special police unit aimed at targeting him. Conversely, some government-aligned sources suggested that the violence may have been orchestrated by Gachagua’s own supporters to attract political sympathy.
The incident drew condemnation from religious leaders. Anglican Church of Kenya Archbishop Jackson Ole Sappit described the attack as a severe violation of the sanctity of worship, expressing deep concern for the traumatised congregants, especially children.
Similarly, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) condemned the use of teargas inside a church, highlighting that such actions violate Article 32 of the Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to worship freely.
Traders and religious leaders alike now await decisive action from the Inspector General to prevent further unrest and protect both citizens and businesses, underscoring the urgent need for well-planned security measures during politically charged events in Nairobi.
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