The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has strongly criticized the Nairobi County Government led by Governor Johnson Sakaja over the controversial demolitions in Woodley Estate, which left hundreds of residents homeless.
In a statement released on Thursday, ODM’s acting leader, Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, condemned the forced evictions as “inhumane,” describing them as a stark violation of the rights of the affected residents.
The demolitions took place on Monday night, resulting in the destruction of 42 residential homes, displacing many families and leaving them in distress.
Nyong’o called out the county government’s approach, emphasizing that the demolitions, especially when carried out at night, were both shocking and unjust.
“The manner in which the demolitions were conducted in the middle of the night is inhumane and shocking,” Nyong’o said, adding that the action failed to reflect good leadership from the Nairobi County administration.
The demolitions were part of a larger plan by the county government aimed at addressing Nairobi’s growing housing crisis.
The project is expected to accommodate over 1,900 people once completed, but Nyong’o questioned the manner in which it was executed, stating that it violated the constitutional rights of the affected individuals, particularly Article 43(b) of the Constitution of Kenya, which guarantees the right to accessible and adequate housing.
While Nyong’o expressed support for Sakaja’s broader vision of addressing the housing issue, he argued that a more humane approach should have been taken.
He suggested that instead of evicting residents without adequate notice or resettlement plans, the county government could have developed alternative high-density housing units elsewhere and facilitated a smooth and organized relocation for the residents.
Woodley Estate, which has been home to many notable individuals, including former government officials and veterans of the struggle for independence, has a long history and holds significant emotional value for its residents.
Among those who have lived in the area are figures like Sammy Lui, a former member of the Presidential Press Team during President Mwai Kibaki’s administration, and Odinge Odera, a speechwriter for the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
ODM likened the demolition to a colonial-era approach to governance, arguing that such actions should not be happening in modern Kenya.
“This is a colonial approach that should not happen in this era,” Nyong’o remarked, urging the Nairobi County Government to treat its citizens with dignity and compassion.
He called on the county leadership to ensure that the execution of laws and policies be done in a way that serves the people, rather than causing unnecessary suffering.
“Do not be the Pharisees in the execution of the law, but be humane in serving Kenyans,” he concluded.
