Evicted Nairobi Woodley residents demand compensation from Sakaja's Administration
The evicted residents accused the county of authorising unlawful evictions that have left them displaced, traumatised and their homes in ruins.
Evicted residents of Woodley Estate in Kibra, Nairobi, are demanding compensation from Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration, accusing the county of authorising unlawful evictions that have left them displaced, traumatised and their homes in ruins.
The residents said compensation would enable them to repair their houses and reclaim their tenancy rights.
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Speaking during a press briefing on Sunday, Woodley Development Initiative chairman Sam Gachago said the residents require compensation to restore their damaged homes.
“Our houses have been destroyed. They have no doors or windows. Those that were targeted are just empty shells of a house,” Gachago said.
“This must be addressed because we need to repair these homes for people to return. You cannot illegally evict someone, destroy their property, and expect them not to seek compensation.”
The appeal comes after President William Ruto directed Nairobi MCAs to form a Special Reconciliation Committee within seven days to look into issues around rent, home ownership and tenancy.
“Our plight, which we presented to the President, offers us the first glimmer of hope after a long, dark period. It is not yet a political victory; it is merely the starting point for addressing the profound injustices we have endured,” Gachago said.
However, he noted that the committee is yet to be constituted, days after the President’s deadline had elapsed.
“We have not been engaged. We have no idea who the members are. We are still waiting,” he said, demanding that tenants be formally involved in the process to ensure transparency and accountability.
The estate’s leadership also raised concerns over residents’ safety, alleging that hired groups were being deployed to harass and intimidate them.
“For months, we have cried for justice, our voices seemingly drowned out by the powerful forces behind our suffering. Our community has been terrorised and houses destroyed and belongings looted by hired thugs operating under the authority of the Nairobi county government,” Gachago said.
The residents are now demanding the immediate revocation of illegal and improper allocations of homes, reinstatement of tenants who have paid rent, and full restoration of tenancy rights. They also want Sakaja’s administration to allow tenants willing and able to pay to return to their homes.
In addition, they are calling for the permanent cancellation of reinstated pending bills that had previously been waived.
“We demand full compensation and the immediate issuance of allotment letters for the 22 families who have pursued justice through the courts, but who remain destitute and excluded from previous measures,” Gachago said.
In May, Nairobi County officials insisted that the evictions were legal and necessary to recover long-overdue rent.
“We are simply following the law. Our intention is not malicious; we are just ensuring that tenants pay what they owe the county,” Lydia Mathia, CECM, Nairobi County, said.
The county also denied receiving any court order blocking the evictions. The affected families have vowed to return to court to seek redress.
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