The office of Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has denied reports of its involvement in the planned Gikomba market demolitions.
According to reports which have caused hue and cry, these demolitions were set to take place on Friday May 24, 2024.
While to speaking to The Kenya Times an officer from City Hall’s communications office clarified that the county government was not in any way involved in the planning and execution of the demolitions.
‘The county government is not conducting any demolitions’, the officer said.
Reports went viral that a section of the market was set to be demolished on ground Riparian Land.
In addition, the reports drew mixed reactions from Kenyans across various social media, expressing their disappointment in the government.
“It is sad that the government is aiding the grabbers, ending the livelihoods of thousands of businesspeople that depend on the market instead of helping those traders thrive’, one user wrote.
In addition, another Kenyan put the blame on the government saying that these demolitions will be a big blow to Nairobi County and the country at large since it remains to be the biggest employer in the informal sector, amid unemployment crisis in the Country.
“Governor Nairobi Sakaja has failed Nairobians, demolition off Gikomba market by the government for being on riparian land will be the biggest blow to county, actually the whole country. Gikomba is the biggest employer in the informal sector.”
Gikomba Demolition Fears
Interior Cabinet Secretary of Interior, Kithure Kindiki, issued an order of evacuation to all people living on riparian land within 30 meters of Ngong and Mathare rivers.
Consequently, this decision was made to protect and safeguard livelihoods during the ongoing heavy rains.
Also Read: Why Gikomba Fires Could be More Than Just Accidents
In early May 2024, the national government began demolishing homes built in flood prone areas in Nairobi slums.
President William Ruto ordered people living on riparian land to move with immediate effect and their structures demolished.
“We will be asking those people living in areas that are at high risk of floods to evacuate and we will help them because we want to save lives,” he said.
In April, Sakaja also ordered Nairobi residents leaving on riparian land to move.
“It was resolved that all excavations along riparian have been suspended with immediate effect. All inhabitants along riverbeds and high areas must re-locate with immediate effect,” said the governor.
He added, “Please heed all warnings and advisories issued by the relevant authorities and avoid unnecessary travel in flood-prone areas. In case of an emergency, you may reach the County via the hotline number 1508.”
Also Read: Kamukunji MP Wants Gikomba Market Declared Disaster Area
In addition, 4000 buildings have been demolished on claims that they were constructed on land adjacent to the watercourses that transverse the city (Riparian land).
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