Nairobi County gov't evicts Woodley tenants over unpaid arrears

The affected residents now fault the county government for blatant disregard of the law. They claim the evictions came hours after they secured a court order to maintain the status quo.

Friday morning turned grim for residents of Woodley Estate in Nairobi as county officials arrived unannounced, initiating evictions despite a court order halting the process.

Among those visibly shaken is Sam Gachago, who has called Woodley home for more than five decades. The lines on his face reflect the shock and disbelief shared by many.

He is not alone. Countless families in this seemingly tranquil suburb now face an uncertain future, unsure of where they will sleep tonight or how they will survive beyond today.

Amid the state of confusion, Gachago, who also chairs the Woodley Development Initiative, shared with us the root of their predicament.

"This morning, some county employees were sent to my house. They were ejecting people in a blatant disregard of the law. Their computation on arrears is also skewed," he stated. 

The eviction, according to residents, was carried out with little regard for their belongings or dignity.

"Those who came here were more of goons. They threw items outside without caring."

In the process, valuable property was lost, and irreparable damage visited on their homes and belongings.

Nairobi county officials, however, insisted that the evictions were legal and necessary to recover long-overdue rent.

"We are simply following the law. Our intention is not malicious; we are just ensuring that tenants pay what they owe the county," Lydia Mathia, CECM, Nairobi County, stated. 

The county denied having received any court order blocking the evictions. The affected families have vowed to return to court to seek redress.