Jamila's Memo: Where's Equality and Equity in Riparian Demolitions?

There has been a perception that the ongoing demolitions are skewed against slum dwellers and the poor. 

According to the government in the ongoing evacuation programme, over 40,000 households, comprising 181,000 people have voluntarily relocated from riparian reserves in Nairobi, including Mathare, and Ngong Rivers. 

But it seems there is a problem with how we are mapping the riparian land. Because by some accident of maps, it seems the encroachment is only in the low-income settlements which of course is not true, I am kidding. 

That river flows across all levels of neighbourhoods. We know it, you know it and everybody knows that there are some opulent homes whose back yard includes that stream or river. I mean riparian land, or can we call it a riparian backyard?

So, when the poor downstream are evicted and the wealthy upstream are spared, where is the whole question of fairness and equality? Wapi haki na usawa?

The constitution of Kenya 2010 preaches non-discrimination in the most absolute terms. In this particular case, the constitution prohibits the discrimination of anyone based on status so if riparian lands are being reclaimed, then it’s only fair that it is an end-to-end exercise. Covering communities downstream and upstream regardless of their status.

At our most basic levels, it should not be natural that floods and evictions ostensibly related to riparian lands produce only a particular kind of victim and that is the poor.

Then there is the government's promise of Ksh.10,000 for each household to find alternative rental premises. There have been complaints that the money has yet to reach them as the demolitions continue. For instance in Kosovo area of Mathare the bulldozers are still busy at work, relentlessly flattening buildings said to be in riparian zones. 

What do Kosovo, Kariobangi, and Kiamaiko have in common? They are all low-income settlements. It’s not easy at all for residents of these areas to just pack up and move to another area and start their lives afresh. They have watched for weeks as all they own went down in pieces. These same demolitions have even led to the loss of lives.

Equality and equity? Wapi haki na usawa? Maybe I am jumping the gun and maybe there are plans to go to riparian areas which are upstream and in opulent neighbourhoods. 

I mean if we are following the river or stream to all areas within 30 metres of it, then it would only be fair that all those living in such areas are asked to move, right? Maybe just maybe…or is it just wishful thinking on my part? Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.”It seems that as a society we have failed those who need us the most, we have failed them miserably. And that is my memo.