1. What demolitions have been done in the city that you are aware of? When and how were they done?
There have been numerous demolitions that have been done in Embakasi constituency in the east lands of Nairobi. The most recent one was a week ago before Easter and it happened in Umoja 3 estate.
It is alleged that the owner who is a private developer acquired a quick court order and began demolishing houses as early as 5am under the guard of the police. The police were there to ensure that residents don’t oppose the demolitions.
Most of these demolitions have been very fatal and leading to loss of lives and property. Since the year 2005 actually up to April this year, there have demolitions happening at least once every month. Hence there is a huge area of land without inhabitants and lying idle.
They have carried at night sometimes like was the case at Masai Village near Mombasa road where the police had to beat residents while breaking into their houses to chase them.
Areas most affected are Mukuru Kwa Njenga, Mukuru Kwa Ruben, Mukuru Kayaba,Mukuru Sinai, Kyang’ombe, Kware ,Pipeline and Umoja residential areas.
Most of these demolitions have been carried without residents’ knowledge and have been fatal and violent leading to deaths and injuries and lose of property. There are many families who have been displaced severally from many of these areas in constant recurrence and are traumatized.
2. What were government/city council explanations for the demolitions?
The government has been reluctant to give explanations and it does seem that it is never aware. The city council has never been heard on this. But I would like to think that they are aware and choose to keep off the issue as they are not held accountable by the people. Otherwise, how do you explain the presence of armed police on anti riot gear? People always put their energies in salvaging their belongings quickly. Obviously too occupied to think of any immediate action. But some of the youth have been responding quickly and spontaneously in armed response almost like the police only that they use stones and other crude weapons and returning unused teargas canisters to the police. The police have always responded by firing live bullets, arresting and detaining protesters.
3. How much advance notice was issued to the dwellers in those places? Do you think there was adequate notice?
The knowledge of issuance of notices is unheard of. When a demolition happen, you hear of rumours there has been a notice and the landlords did not disclose it to tenants. There is a lot of information hidden between authorities residents/tenants and landlords. There have never been adequate notices and in fact, none has been seen so far.
4. Who carried out the evictions? Do you think the exercise was humane? Why, or why not?
There have been demolitions carried out by anonymous developers. But sometimes some names can be thrown in. Like the Embakasi Developers, Steel Works Limited among other powerful private company owners. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mukuru_kwa_Njenga
5. What were the results of the demolitions? Where are the former residents now?
Close to 100,000 families have been displaced and forced to live in places with high standards of living, many homes lost, schools lost, children not able to access education leading to street families and highest levels of crime and insecurity. There has been loss of property, injuries and deaths. People have lost jobs and some have been exposed to imposed hard labour and unfair working conditions throughout industrial areas.
6. How have peoples' organisations in those areas reacted to the demolitions? Have they made any attempt to speak to the authorities? What are the reactions of the authorities?
Organizations and CBOs like the Muungano Wa Wanaviji trust and others have been at the fore front in documenting these demolitions and giving demographics of all the slums in Nairobi as well as advising residents on actions to be taken. Recently there have been court orders to stop more evictions after residents protested and went to court. The Prime Minister Raila Odinga was also forced to give a statement that demanded an end to demolitions. But some of these statements have not ended the problem and people still in fear.
7. Do you know if any more demolitions are planned? What areas will be targeted?
I think almost all slums to the east lands are targeted as developers are making new cities like TATU CITY and Konza city. The most recent one was before Easter where the local MP Ferdinand Waititu was arrested and charged in court for inciting residents to fight the police. There is a big threat.
8. What are your own suggestions about what needs to be done by the authorities to avoid the suffering caused by demolitions?
There must be clear guidelines on land and demolitions, I think the constitution is clear has to be followed as well and notices have to be give in advance. Tenants must be vigilant and form a movement that can research and guard their residential are in one voice should there be a demolition. We need public and open information about this land issue in Nairobi once and for so that the people may have informed decisions.
The authorities must also check how land is acquired here as there is corruption and illegal deals involved without the knowledge of the people. Politicians are known to gather votes and incite people and some of them have their powerful people there who are involved in the shady deals.
9. How can people in the slums and other so-called informal settlements can be organised to defend their rights to basic facilities and services such as housing? Is this being done?
The people can form an alliance. There are few alliances and most with different agendas geared towards gaining from relocations and such. This is divisive. There is lack of shared information between them so the organization is never really realized and it is not strong. There is need for civic education on housing and on the law of land and housing to guide the organization towards unity.
10. Any observations regarding any matter not covered in these questions?
This is the time that we need to really address the issue of the people living in the slums and their constant fear. Their need be a focus here especially on what can be done for advocacy. There has to be a campaign dubbed; NO HOUSE ,NO LAND ,NO VOTE.
Our time is now!
Thank you, Grand Masese.
