Don’t use force to evict Kenyans from riparian land, says Nairobi South MCA
Nairobi South County Assembly member, Waithera Chege, has called on the government and police to handle the eviction of residents living along river banks and riparian areas with dignity.
The MCA said the residents of Mukuru slums, who are being evicted from their homes, have nowhere else to go and the government should handle the matter in a manner that does not expose them to danger.
During her visit to the affected residents, Ms Chege alleged that some officials were taking advantage of the situation by collecting bribes from the victims, claiming that they would not demolish their houses.
“Don’t let anyone force you to pay bribes. The safety of the citizens is more important than the houses. It is also important to let residents know when the houses will be demolished so that they can make arrangements and move out without being ambushed while their belongings are in the house,” said Ms Chege.
The government has also been urged to ensure that there is proper public participation in the distance from the river that will not be occupied.
She also lauded President William Ruto’s announcement that the government would provide three months’ rent to affected victims.
Residents were urged to ensure that once they receive the promised Sh10,000 per month from the government, they look for better houses to rent elsewhere and give their families a decent living.
“When the government distributes the three months’ rent, look for better houses for your families, and don’t waste the money on alcohol and end up back on the streets.”
She also urged the government to ensure that the money is distributed through the right channels so that the right victims are compensated.
The Mukuru slum was at the centre of the city’s flooding as the Nairobi River, which runs through it, burst its banks and flooded nearby homes.
Parts of Mathare have also been stranded by the floods, resulting in deaths and destruction of property.
The President announced that the government will implement the housing project in such slums to provide affordable and standard houses to residents, which is also expected to improve the condition of the slums.