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Thousands of Mukuru kwa Njenga residents at risk of mass evictions

A riot policeman disperses residents during a clash over the demolition of homes at the Mukuru Kwa Njenga informal settlements to pave way for construction of the Nairobi Expressway with Industrial Area in Nairobi, Dec. 27, 2021. (Photo: Reuters)

By Barack Oduor | 01 May 2024

Amnesty International Kenya Executive Director Irungu Houghton said the injustice against the residents of Mukuru kwa Njenga has been going on for a long time.

A human rights organisation has raised fears that residents of Mukuru kwa Njenga are likely to be evicted from their land despite the ongoing heavy rains that have brought flooding to the city and most parts of the country.

Amnesty International Kenya is deeply concerned that the current massive deployment of police officers at the Villa Police Station, Embakasi, may be connected to another round of mass evictions of Mukuru kwa Njenga residents.

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Amnesty International Kenya Executive Director Irungu Houghton on Wednesday said over the last two months, police officers have repeatedly profiled and arrested several community leaders on several charges.

"Most of these leaders were active in protecting their community since the 2021 mass evictions that rendered over 40,000 homeless and without schools, health centres, or livelihood opportunities," said Irungu.

No public participation

He said that recently, and without public consultation or participation with the community, accompanied by police officers, persons have begun to survey land currently occupied by 40,000 displaced residents of Mukuru Kwa Njenga.

The action violates a court order that seeks to establish the ownership of the controversial land on 24 January 2022.

"Community fears are at an all-time high. The possibility of violence is very high. The current tensions must be de-escalated to avoid further loss of life. That this would be even contemplated as the nation grappling with heavy flooding and one of the worst climate emergencies in Kenyan history is callous and cruel," Irungu said.

He called on the leadership of the National Police Service, County Government of Nairobi, Ministry of Interior and Administration of National Government, and the Office of The Presidency to act, initiate dialogue with the community, and avert a looming crisis.

Irungu said the injustice against the residents of Mukuru kwa Njenga has been going on for a long time.

He said that on September 10, 2020, a cabinet decision to implement the ambitious Mukuru Social Housing Project was received by public excitement only to turn into a nightmare when the residents got evicted at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"More than 40,000 people were rendered homeless and propertyless by one of the most expansive and violent evictions of the Covid-19 period. Reclamation of the 30-metre road reserve to make way for the Catherine Ndereba expressway suddenly veered into the invasive, clearing of 270 metres of land occupied by thousands of three-by-three metre mabati homes, kiosks, schools, health facilities and places of worship," said Irungu.