In Summary

• Government says demolition is mandatory in all riparian land.
• Two have lost lives in Mathare since the commencement of the demolitions.

Mathare residents have vowed to continue  staging  protest everyday until the government will stop demolition on riparian land in Mathare.

According to the affected residents they will not allow their homes be demolished when they do not have alternative from the same government.

Alphonse Randiek whose house was demolished in Mathare North area says the exercise has caused them more harm than floods itself.

“We initially thought that the government was prepared to compensate affected individuals but as you can see non is forthcoming.I lost my house and a place I call home.Where do we go? Even the 10,000 the president announced has not reached anyone.” He told Ghetto Radio News.

Yesterday they were engaged in running battles with law enforcers   better part of the day.

“We shall continue with protests until these bulldozers leaves Mathare.” He said.

Government Notice

The  Ministry of  Interior and National  Coordination last week issued a strict notice of the evacuation  person occupying  riparian land.

“Pursuant to the relevant provisions of the Constitution of Kenya and National Land Legislation, it is hereby ordered that all persons residing within the 30 metre riparian corridor of rivers and other water courses across the country vacate immediately and in any case within 24 hours effective today, May 2, 2024 at 1830 hours, failing which they will be subjected to mandatory evacuation for their safety and their premises, whether for public or private use shall be removed.” The notice reads in part.

“The Nairobi Regional and County Security Teams are directed to work with the Nairobi City County Government and the Multi-agency Team under the auspices of the National Disaster Operation Centre (NDOC) to ensure the immediate vacation or mandatory evacuation of all persons within the 30-metre riparian land along the Nairobi Rivers (Mathare, Ngong and Nairobi Rivers), and thereafter oversee the removal of all buildings and structures within the riparian land as well as the planning corridor,” it reads .