By Ebi Kesiena
The Kenyan government has initiated the demolition of residences constructed in flood-prone regions, providing displaced families with a nominal sum of $75 as assistance for relocation, following a deadline for evacuation amidst devastating rainfall.
In the capital city of Nairobi, the relentless force of bulldozers tore through iron-sheet structures as onlookers observed with despair.
Security personnel armed with guns and batons maintained vigilance, resorting to tear gas to disperse certain residents.
Last week, the government issued directives for thousands of individuals residing near rivers, dams, and other flood-prone zones to vacate, amid incessant downpours that has claimed the lives of 238 people in recent weeks.
Despite claims by the government that affected individuals were notified of available alternatives, many of those affected by the demolitions express uncertainty regarding their next steps.
Jekenke Jegeke, voicing the sentiments of many, lamented, “Now what are we going to do? We love our president, and that is why we supported him. He should come to our aid,” in an interview with The Associated Press.
President William Ruto, during a visit to the sprawling Mathare informal settlement along the Nairobi River, pledged to provide 10,000 Kenyan shillings ($75) to individuals whose homes were demolished, aiding them in resettling elsewhere.
Tragically, three individuals, including two children, lost their lives in Mathare as a result of bulldozer-related accidents during the demolitions, one prior to the president’s visit and two thereafter, as reported by civil society groups.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga cautioned the government against further demolitions without a comprehensive resettlement strategy in place.
The number of individuals affected by the flooding in Kenya has surged to 235,000, with the majority seeking refuge in camps.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki reiterated an evacuation mandate on Tuesday for 200 families residing in the Kijabe area, located an hour’s drive from Nairobi. The region witnessed a devastating event last week, resulting in the loss of approximately 60 lives and the destruction of numerous homes when water breached a blocked railway tunnel.
The aftermath of this disaster prompted the government to issue evacuation orders. However, the exact number of homes demolished across Kenya since then remains unclear.
