Nairobi residents protest against unlawful structures, forceful evictions

Nairobi residents and human rights groups hold protests against unplanned developments, forceful evictions and non-compliant building approvals within the city on Thursday, May, 16, 2024. [Samson Wire, Standard]

A group of Nairobi residents on Thursday, May 16 took to the streets to demonstrate against what they describe as unplanned development projects in the capital, resulting in forced evictions.

Accompanied by human rights activists, they marched through the city, brandishing placards and chanting slogans.

Led by activists clad in black, the residents halted at various points to address fellow protestors.

Kitusuru Member of the County Assembly Alvin Orlando urged Governor Johnson Sakaja to prioritise the welfare of city residents.

"Due to this unlawful development, my chief officers have faced threats. If you cannot respect Nairobians, you will be held accountable. I will address this petition," the MCA declared.

Nairobi residents and human rights groups hold protests against unplanned developments, forceful evictions and non-compliant building approvals within the city on Thursday, May, 16, 2024. [Samson Wire, Standard]

Residents also voiced concerns about non-compliant building approvals within the city, citing multiple instances of structural collapse.

The protests followed heavy rains in the country, resulting in flooding that destroyed homes and property. Consequently, residents in flood-prone areas faced forced evictions by government order, with bulldozers demolishing structures.

Human Rights Organisation Amnesty International criticised the evictions in informal settlements, highlighting their exacerbation of challenges faced by vulnerable groups already grappling with flood aftermath.

The organisation proposed a community-centered Relocation Action Plan (RAP), emphasizing inclusivity, transparency, and accountability. They called for immediate emergency assistance, recommending cash transfers of Sh30,000 up from the government's initial Sh10,000 per household.

Amnesty also demanded accountability and justice for lives lost, properties destroyed, and disrupted livelihoods during the evictions, advocating for humane interventions in government disaster management during crises.