As demolitions targeting structures built on riparian lands in Nairobi slums continue following President William Ruto’s directive, a section of Nairobi leaders have raised concerns over how the exercise is being conducted.
Ruto last week directed individuals living within 30 metres of the rivers to evacuate with immediate effect failure to which their structures will be brought down.
The directive affects those living within 30 metres of Ngong, Mathare and Nairobi rivers.
Speaking during a food distribution exercise to victims of floods on Tuesday, Nairobi South B MCA Waithera Chege warned against conducting the exercise unfairly and illegally claiming some are being asked for money to be spared from demolition
"Don’t be forced to give money because that is corruption, we are here to defend you. Some of the officials have been moving around demanding bribes so as not to allow demolition of some structures," Chege told victims when she distributed food.
She further called for the safety of those affected by the demolition, lauding President Ruto’s move to give rent to those affected.
The politician at the same time asked the national government to reduce the 30-meter directive saying this has affected many families.
"Hawafai kupima 30 metre kutoka pahali mto imefika, wanafaa kuanzia katikati ya mto (they should not measure 30 metres from the sidelines of the river instead, they should start in the middle of the river),” the MCA said.
As the demolition continued, Chege asked the State to give notice to those affected to allow them to prepare to move.
"It is good to give people notice before demolition of their houses. It is unfair for them to find their structures down yet they were not informed to move," Chege added.
The evacuation is mandatory for those who refuse to move.
