Residents of Kiambiu in Kamukunji stranded after sudden demolitions
By Charity Kilei |
While the government mentioned compensating the affected families, many are yet to receive the money.
In Kiambiu, Kamukunji Constituency, a community is grappling with the sudden demolition of homes near riverbanks, following orders from the government to minimise risks posed by heavy rain and flooding.
As of Monday, many, such as Mary Mwikali, a mother of two, said they lacked alternatives.
“It’s very sad that my children will sleep in the cold. I was unable to salvage most of our belongings, and others were stolen. My children, who went to school this morning, have no home," she told The Eastleigh Voice in an interview.
A demolished building at the Daraja ya salam area in Kiambiu village, Kamukunji Constituency, Nairobi, as pictured on May 20, 2024. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)
Peninah Wendo, a single mother of two, said they were not given time to move their belongings.
"Rowdy youths took advantage of the situation and stole most of our belongings. I am left with the clothes on my back. I don’t know where my children will sleep tonight or where to start from.”
Wendo added that had they been provided with alternative housing, the burden would have been easier to bear.
"The government said those affected would be given some money, but so far, we haven't received anything or been told how it will happen. We've been stripped of our homes and left in the cold with our children."
Residents of Kiambiu village in Kamukunji Constituency, Nairobi, collect building material from a demolished house, for sale, following an operation on May 20, 2024. (Photo: Justine Ondieki/EV)
Samuel Ochieng regretted that their children would return to nothing after school.
"Why does the government have to wait until children have gone back to school to demolish our houses? We don't know where to start. Imagine children coming back from school to sleep in the cold."
As the sun set over Kiambiu, the community faced a night of uncertainty and despair, hoping for support and solutions to rebuild.
A building is demolished in the Kiambiu area of Kamukunji Constituency, Nairobi, on May 20, 2024. (Photo: Justine Ondieki/EV)
Demolitions have been occurring in various parts of the country following the floods that left at least 291 people dead, as well as massive property destruction and the displacement of hundreds of thousands. They have taken place in areas such as Mathare, Mukuru kwa Ruben, Kimaki, and others around riparian land.
While the government mentioned compensating the affected families, many have yet to receive the money. Most have moved to new places without a clear plan and are stranded.
During a visit to the Kiamaiko area in Mathare Sub-county, Nairobi, President William Ruto announced that 40,000 families displaced by the floods would receive a monthly stipend of 10,000 shillings for rent, saying the aim was to ease their burden amid making plans for their resettlement.
Residents of Kiambiu village in Kamukunji Constituency, Nairobi, collect building material from a demolished house, for sale, following an operation on May 20, 2024. (Photo: Justine Ondieki/EV)
The president also announced that flood-displaced people in the Kiamaiko area would be prioritised in the allocation of 5,000 affordable housing units to be constructed in Mathare, offering a permanent solution to their displacement.
"We have a comprehensive list of evacuees and will support them with three months' rent as the government explores long-term solutions for their housing needs," he said.
The distribution of funds was to be coordinated by National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) along with officials from the National Youth Service (NYS), the National Police Service (NPS), and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
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