Kibera demolitions: 1,000 families left homeless

A humanitarian crisis has hit Makina area in Kibera, Nairobi where about 1,000 families were Monday rendered homeless after the government demolished their homes to pave way for the construction of a new road.

Earth movers descended on the homes at around 5am, catching most residents unawares. Many were unable to salvage their belongings.

Among structures set to be affected in the process include churches, schools as well as community-based NGO offices.

Speaking to Citizen TV on Monday morning, a section of the affected population argued that the 14-day notice they were given was not enough to enable them relocate.

They further condemned the demolitions claiming they were not fully briefed on the compensation modality.

Security officers are also said to be on sight to monitor the demolition exercise.

The road to be constructed is set to connect Ngong Road to Langata Road via Kibra.

The demolition exercise has come under heavy criticism from organization’s such as Amnesty International Kenya.

“The demolitions and forced evictions betray the agreement reached by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority, the Kenya National Human Rights Commission and the National Lands Commission to undertake a rapid Resettlement Action Plan (RAP),” said Amnesty International Executive Director Irũngũ Houghton.