- Mwago wants the government to outline the specific plans for providing resettlement options for the displaced families.
- In May, the Government of Kenya directed that all structures built on riparian land be demolished.
Image: FILE
Starehe MP Amos Mwago wants the government to come out clear on its compensation plans following the demolition of structures on riparian land in Nairobi.
Seeking a statement from the Departmental Committee on Lands and Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Affairs, Mwago said the “purported” compensation plan appears to be limited to a few individuals.
The lawmaker said many rightful landowners are in a state of uncertainty and despair.
“What measures has the ministry put in place to ensure a fair and transparent compensation process for land owners affected by those demolitions?” the MP posed.
Mwago further wants the government to outline the specific plans for providing resettlement options for the displaced families.
“What steps has the Ministry taken to ensure that future demolitions are conducted humanely, with adequate notice provided to affected citizens and adherence to the due process?” he further posed.
Mwago said he needs the responses within the shortest time possible stating that the demolitions are ongoing and people are “languishing in confusion” by the actions of the government.
In May, the Government of Kenya directed that all structures built on riparian land should be demolished, following the heavy rainfall that adversely affected tracts of land across the country.
The ongoing demolitions are targeting buildings that are constructed on riparian land in Starehe Constituency within areas of Landimawe Ward, Nairobi South Ward, Gikomba and other areas in Nairobi City County, including City Carton in Embakasi West and Kariobangi South, Ruaraka, Mathare and other constituencies.
Mwago lamented that the government provided a stringent timeline for vacating the affected areas without proper issuance of notice to residents or offering alternative places to reside in.
“The ongoing demolitions reveal a distressing picture of inhumane treatment. Houses are being demolished without regard for the well-being of the residents. Some of them have lived on the same land for over 50 years and possess legitimate title deeds issued by the Government,” he added.
He claimed the demolitions were marred by the use of excessive force during the process.
“Regrettably, mothers and children are being left to sleep in the cold without any alternative accommodation or support from the government,” he stated.