Gachagua Speaks with Babu Owino in Phone Call, Details Revealed

Former Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua held a phone conversation with Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino, during which they discussed several political and governance issues.

Gachagua made the call while Babu Owino was being interviewed by Muthoni wa Kirumba, popularly known as Baby Top, on Kameme Radio on Friday, March 13, 2026.

According to the former deputy president, he urged Owino to continue spearheading the Linda Mwananchi faction within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which is a formation opposing the broad-based union between President William Ruto and other ODM leaders led by Party leader Dr. Oburu Odinga.

Gachagua Holds Talks With Babu Owino

Gachagua said that while Owino and other members push for accountability from within ODM, he and other leaders in the opposition will also continue putting pressure on the Kenya Kwanza Coalition government.

Additionally, the Democratic Citizens Party leader urged the Embakasi East legislator to help in efforts to stop ongoing demolitions in Nairobi.

Also Read: Natembeya Says He Cannot Support Gachagua for President in 2027

Gachagua accused President Ruto of targeting a particular region in the ongoing demolitions in the capital.

“Babu, let us work together on this issue of demolitions because our people have been targeted by President Ruto, and he wants our people to leave Nairobi, and that is something we cannot accept,” Gachagua said.

He further urged Owino to ensure that the alleged targeting of traders and residents does not continue, adding that he would also push from his side to stop the demolitions.

Demolitions Across Nairobi

Since the beginning of 2026, several demolition exercises have been carried out in Nairobi and its environs, many of them spearheaded by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA).

The agency has mainly targeted illegal structures, kiosks, stalls, and other encroachments built on road reserves along major highways.

According to the authority, the operations are aimed at reclaiming public land, improving road safety, reducing traffic congestion, and facilitating infrastructure upgrades such as the construction of bus bays, service lanes, and modern bus parks.

Also Read: Babu Takes Legal Action Against PS Omollo for Allegedly Sponsoring Airport Violence

In mid-February, KeNHA demolished makeshift stalls and kiosks in the Githurai 45 area along the Thika Superhighway after issuing a seven-day eviction notice. The operation affected hundreds of traders and sparked protests that disrupted traffic.

In early March, a similar overnight demolition in Roysambu saw kiosks and small shops removed on both sides of the highway to pave the way for designated bus bays and help ease congestion.

Around March 8, demolitions also took place at Uhuru Open Air Market and nearby Hamza along Jogoo Road after traders failed to comply with earlier eviction notices.

Earlier this month, traders and residents also received a 14-day eviction notice targeting permanent multi-storey residential and commercial structures in the Gikomba Market area, including the Cloth Market and surrounding neighbourhoods such as Blue Estate, Bahati Annex, Kamukunji and Shauri Moyo.

However, Babu Owino moved to court seeking conservatory orders to halt the demolitions, which the court granted.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates