Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has stepped in to de-escalate tensions in Mukuru Kwa Njenga following violent confrontations between residents and police during protests against alleged forced evictions in the area.
Governor Sakaja spoke amid running battles in the densely populated settlement, where residents took to the streets on Tuesday, January 20, to protest what they described as unlawful evictions linked to the planned construction of Catherine Ndereba Road.
Addressing the press, the governor expressed concern about reports of residents being attacked and compelled to vacate their homes, stressing that any relocation must follow due process and include compensation.
“It’s easy to speak to the people. Like all these roads you see done here, we’ve done them, but we do them by speaking to the people, not by using force. Unfortunately, people are being attacked by the police and forced to evacuate. We want to de-escalate this situation through compensation,” the governor said.
“No agency can do work that belongs to the county government without sign off from the county government. That cannot happen, that’s why we have devolution.”
Chaos erupts over Mukuru Kwa Njenga evictions
Earlier, witnesses reported a heavy police response as officers fired rubber bullets and live ammunition to disperse demonstrators.
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The Mukuru Community Justice Centre accused the police of using excessive force to carry out the evictions, warning that lives were being put at risk in the densely populated settlement.
According to the group, the evictions are continuing despite existing court orders meant to protect residents from displacement without notice or due process. The justice centre said the use of force under such circumstances threatens the safety and dignity of the affected community.
“Forced evictions are ongoing in Mukuru Kwa Njenga without notice or due process, despite existing court orders. Residents protesting are being met with rubber bullets and live ammunition putting lives at risk in a densely populated settlement. Stop forced evictions. Stop police violence. Respect the rule of law.”
Police deployment
Before the protests, the centre had warned that police had been mobilised ahead of the evictions, alleging that a large contingent of masked and hooded officers had been deployed at Villa Police Station to support the operation, despite a standing court order halting any evictions.
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The group condemned the operation and called for immediate compliance with the court order and accountability for all officials involved.
“We strongly condemn this action and call for immediate compliance with the court order and accountability for those involved,” the statement concluded.
The unrest in Mukuru Kwa Njenga comes just weeks after similar protests erupted in South B, Nairobi, where residents of Mariguini slum demonstrated against planned evictions to pave the way for an affordable housing project.
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