City Affairs

Youths go on looting spree as demolitions continue in Kamukunji's Kitui Village

Youths scramble for stolen clothes at Kitui Village in Kamukunji. (Photo: Ahmed Shafat)

By Charity Kilei | Thursday, May 23, 2024

Police officers lobbed tear gas to restrain youths who were trying to salvage materials from the collapsing buildings, disregarding the danger of falling debris, while others were on a looting spree.

Chaos erupted in Kitui Village, Kamukunji Constituency, on Thursday as unruly youths fought over scrap metal and looted properties of demolition victims. Scenes of despair unfolded as stranded residents watched helplessly as their homes and belongings were reduced to rubble.

Police officers lobbed tear gas to restrain youths who were aggressively trying to salvage materials from the collapsing buildings, disregarding the danger of falling debris, while others were on a looting spree.

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Among the affected areas is Phase Seven of Dhehebu la Neema Church, which served as a sanctuary for many villagers displaced during the March floods which affected over 300 families.

Dorcas Katongwe, one of the church's founders, lamented the devastating impact of the demolition. “It took us three years to gather contributions for the construction, but now it lies in ruins. Many demolition victims have been sheltering here as they figure out their next steps, but now they risk sleeping out in the cold nights.”

Stranded residents watch as their houses are demolished in Kitui Village, Kamukunji. (Photo: Ahmed Shafat)

Dorcas says that they have been a source of hope for many children and women who seek their assistance, but now they are uncertain where to begin.

“Currently, we are attempting to salvage what we can, but the challenge is exacerbated by some youths attempting to loot metals and other materials. We were unable to salvage anything because the excavators arrived before we could,” said Dorcas.

Mary Kaikai, an expectant mother, watches helplessly as youths freely gather items that once belonged to her.

“I've lost everything, and I don't know where to start. The demolition occurred when we least expected it. Initially, we thought we were safe after the first demolition. Now that they've returned, I feel incredibly stressed,” said Mary.

“My family couldn’t salvage anything because of the many youths who were at the scene, stealing everything... As manual labourers, these multiple losses are too overwhelming for us to handle," she added.

Demolished church that was a rescue center during the floods. (Photo: Ahmed Shafat)

John Mutuko, another victim, said he thought they were done with the demolition phase. "We've faced demolitions before, but now we're left wondering why they didn't demolish these structures once and for all."

Mutuko expresses his confusion over the issue, wondering why they were initially assured they were safe and not within the 30-meter demolition zone, only for authorities to proceed with the demolitions for a second time.

“Many of us didn't evacuate in time because we believed we weren't included in the 30-meter zone, but now all our properties have been looted by unruly youths,” said Mutuko

Youths on a looting spree amid demolitions in Kitui Village. (Photo: Ahmed Shafat)

On Monday, a similar scene of youths looting properties unfolded in Kiambiu after their houses were demolished in the evening. Many parents and school-going children were left out in the cold, with several saying they believed they were outside the 30-meter demolition zone.

Many victims in areas like Kimabiu, Mathare, and Kitui Village, who had experienced the initial demolition, voiced confusion over the handling of the process.

For weeks, the government has been demolishing structures near riparian lands as a mitigation measure against devastating floods.