In Summary
- Police use teargas to disperse youths who occupied Woodley Grounds in Kibera
- Human rights defenders and local residents accuse officials of making empty promises.
- Protest Erupts at Woodley Grounds
Police were forced to use teargas to clear youths who occupied Woodley Grounds in Kibera.
The grounds, once a popular recreational area, have remained inaccessible to the community despite assurances from local leaders.
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Empty Promises and Alleged Land Grabbing
Yassa Kimei, a human rights defender, spoke to Ghetto Radio, criticizing local officials for failing to fulfill their promises regarding the renovation of Woodley Grounds.
“We have repeatedly received assurances from our governor and area MCA, DNG, that the grounds are under renovation. However, the contractor has yet to complete the work due to unresolved issues,” Kimei stated.
During the protests, Kimei and other demonstrators discovered that trees had been planted on the grounds, suggesting possible land grabbing.
“There is no visible renovation activity. The area is now covered with trees, indicating that it might be seized for other uses,” Kimei added.
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Concerns Over Land Use and Youth Facilities
An anonymous source informed Ghetto Radio that part of the field has been taken over by a private individual who has converted it into a maize plantation.
“The area on the other side of the road used to be a space for training and recreation. Now, it is occupied by maize crops, and the youths are left with no place to play or train,” the source revealed.
Wider Implications
The incident at Woodley Grounds reflects a broader issue of unrest among Kenya’s youth, particularly Gen Z and millennials.
Demonstrations have led to significant violence, with over 50 young people reported dead, numerous abductions, and hundreds injured in recent months.
The ongoing struggles highlight the urgent need for transparent governance and adequate facilities for the youth.
