Left with nothing: Kitui Village residents face dire choices amid flood evacuation orders

As the year began, the residents of Kitui Village in Pumwani, Kamukunji, were excited, with high expectations of what the year had in store for them.

Like every other Kenyan, they listed their New Year resolutions, which may have included a better life, improved living conditions, and a low cost of living. A few years after battling the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw most Nairobi residents affected by nationwide lockdowns, none of them could have predicted they would be homeless due to floods.

On Monday morning, May 6, 2024, what was once their homes were now lying in ruins. From rented houses to shacks built through their hard labour and sweat, the residents watched in despair as bulldozers brought them down, not sparing any brick.

The residents whispered in undertones, some blaming the government for ordering the demolitions, while others understood that it had to act amid the current floods and heavy rains ravaging the country.

Most of those who were frustrated were residents whose houses bordered a river that passes through the village.

To curb the further loss of lives and destruction of property, President William Ruto ordered the residents living near water bodies and flood-risky areas to vacate or be forced out.

Kitui Village residents in Kamukunji, Nairobi, were among the people ordered to vacate riparian lands and other flood-risky areas in May 2024 (Photo: Ahmed Shafat)

The affected residents, now homeless, however, voiced out their anguish and frustration, claiming that the government had neglected them in their hour of need.

Simon Mwangi, a resident who has stayed in the area for over 10 years, expressed his disappointment with the measures taken by the authorities.

“This government is even worse than the flood itself. They demolished our houses and left us with nowhere to go. It’s better if they could have let us stay here with the water. At least we could sweep the waters off and continue our lives,” he told the Eastleigh Voice.

On Friday, May 3, 2024, the government ordered people living in flood-prone areas to vacate their areas by 6.30 pm or be forcefully evacuated.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki reiterated that the evacuation orders would target those living in landslide and mudslide-prone areas, and those residing within the immediate neighbourhoods of 178 public and private dams that are approaching or have already filled to the brim.

"All persons residing contiguous to the dams and water reservoirs are ordered to vacate the said areas immediately and, in any case, within 24 hours effective today, failing which they will be subjected to mandatory evacuation for their safety," Kindiki warned.

Kitui Village residents in Kamukunji, stare as Nairobi County officials demolish houses on May 6, 2024 (Photo: Ahmed Shafat)

Kitui village residents were among those who were supposed to vacate.  However, the directive was met with a sombre resignation, as many residents found themselves anchored to their community with nowhere else to turn.

The government had assured affected individuals that temporary shelter, food, and essential supplies, would be provided to support them during this challenging period.

President Ruto, on Monday, May 6, announced a Sh10,000 monthly stipend for 40,000 households displaced by the ongoing floods in the country as the government plans their settlement. He also assured that he will ensure cartels do not embezzle the funds, as has been the norm with most government aid and programmes.

"We have a list of those who were evacuated. We will give them money for three months' rent as the government looks for another alternative as we plan for their future as a government so that every Kenyan has a place to call home," Ruto said after visiting Kiamaiko in Mathare, Nairobi.

However, despite promises of temporary shelters, food, and essential supplies, many, like Mwangi, find themselves without aid. Most of them are also confused by the resettlement plans, with the government at one time saying that they will be hosted in schools and other institutions yet also directing that they be hosted by their relatives or neighbours uphill.

“Right now, I am stranded with my children since we don’t have anywhere to go. We don’t have any clothes or food,” a distressed mother shared, encapsulating the dire circumstances facing the community.

“They told us to leave for our safety, but where are the shelters they promised? My family and I are left here with nothing," the embattled mother added.

As families grapple with their new reality, community leaders have called for immediate governmental intervention to provide adequate relocation sites and ensure the welfare of those displaced.

“It’s not just about moving people. It’s about respecting and supporting them through these transitions. We voted for them so they shouldn’t be treating us this way,” Kitui Village chairperson Nzioka Kilonzo added.

Nairobi County officials demolish houses in Kitui Village in Kamukunji, Nairobi, on May 6, 2024 (Photo: Ahmed Shafat)