The demolitions on houses and structures built on riverbanks and riparian land in Nairobi have been ongoing for almost a month.
Hundreds of residents living in informal settlements have been left homeless in what the government argues is for their own safety and the good of Nairobi.
Many say they have yet to receive the Sh10,000 promised for resettlement.
To justify the demolitions, the government argues that the lessons learnt during the heavy April rains, which left a trail of deaths and destruction, should not be repeated.
Good thought but the manner in which it is being executed raises concern.
Two deaths have so far been reported during the demolitions. Those tasked with the demolitions must ensure that all the premises are vacated before they commence their work.
The structures are not completely knocked down but are left hanging precariously, putting the public at risk.
However, of greater concern is that the demolitions so far seem to target only the informal settlements, but not structures standing along riverbanks and riparian land in affluent areas.
This brings to fore the drama in George Orwell's novel Animal Farm, where some animals, after rebelling against their master, promise an equal, free and happy society but end up being worse than their master.
The demolitions must be handled fairly to prove that indeed some animals are not more equal than others.
Quote of the day: "I like the scientific spirit—the holding off, the being sure but not too sure, the willingness to surrender ideas when the evidence is against them."
Walt Whitman
The American poet, essayist and journalist was born on May 31, 1819
