File image of Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson has stopped ongoing demolitions in Mukuru kwa Njenga, terming the exercise illegal, inhumane, and carried out without due process.
Speaking at Mukuru kwa Njenga on Tuesday, January 20, Governor Sakaja faulted the agencies behind the demolitions, saying they acted without notice, consultation, or coordination with the county government.
Sakaja said residents were forced to flee their homes as bulldozers moved in, leaving families terrified and uncertain about their future.
“It is very unfortunate that we wake up to several agencies coming together to demolish houses without any notice or proper communication,” Sakaja said.
“People are being forced to run for their lives as bulldozers destroy homes that are still occupied. There is a clear process that must be followed, even when constructing access or feeder roads. We are not against development, but we are against inhumane and unlawful processes.”
Sakaja said that the Nairobi County Government was not aware of the operation and insisted that those behind it knew they were acting outside the law.
He added that neither the President nor the county had sanctioned the demolitions.
“As Governor of Nairobi, I will not allow this. We are here to serve the people, not to chase them away or demolish their homes in this manner. This is not how public service is done.”
The Nairobi Governor directed all agencies involved to cease operations immediately, pending proper engagement and adherence to the law.
Governor Sakaja added that plans to compensate the affected families are underway, as a list is being compiled as the damage is being assessed.
“This is completely wrong, and I really apologise to the people here. The day we agree on access points, we will agree on compensation,” he said, noting that the county had already taken a list of those affected,” he added.
