Their visit quickly turned into a high-profile rally, with calls for accountability growing louder.
The leaders moved through sections of the market where traders displayed remnants of destroyed stalls and damaged goods, offering a glimpse into the scale of the losses suffered.
Many traders narrated how the late-night operation caught them off guard, leaving them with little or no time to salvage their merchandise.
The visit comes just days after the demolition exercise, which has triggered widespread criticism and sparked debate over how the operation was conducted.
Opposition figures have accused the government of targeting vulnerable small-scale traders, arguing that the manner in which the demolitions were carried out was both abrupt and unjustified.
Addressing the crowd, the leaders demanded answers from the authorities, questioning why the exercise was conducted at night and without what they termed as adequate notice.
They said the traders deserved better treatment, especially given the role they play in supporting livelihoods and the broader economy.
Earlier, on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, Gachagua strongly condemned the operation, describing it as “inhumane, brutal, and a direct attack on ordinary Kenyans.”
He maintained that thousands of traders lost goods worth millions in what he termed a “cowardly night raid.”
As the leaders spoke, traders listened intently, some expressing frustration and uncertainty about their future.
Several called for compensation, saying they had invested heavily in their businesses and were now struggling to recover.
Despite the charged atmosphere, the gathering remained largely peaceful, with security officers maintaining a presence to ensure order.
However, the tension was evident, as chants and calls for justice occasionally erupted from sections of the crowd.