This archive report was first published on 17 June 2020.
On June 17, 2020, Government Spokesperson Cyrus Oguna revealed that the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) under General Mohammed Badi was planning to temporarily resettle evicted Kariobangi and Ruai residents.
According to Oguna, the government was concerned about the manner in which the evictions were carried out, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“NMS is working to ensure that those whose houses were demolished are assisted. During this COVID-19 period, they will be provided with face masks, sanitizers and handwashing agents,” Oguna stated in an interview with NTV.
The government had set up a committee to investigate the evictions and how the land was grabbed. Oguna added that the demolitions were to happen earlier or later, as the land belonged to the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company and had been earmarked for infrastructural development.
On June 15, 2020, Principal Secretary Ministry of Water and Sanitation Joseph Irungu disclosed that the government was intent on embarking on the second phase of the repossession exercise in Nairobi’s Kariobangi area.
However, the High Court had halted further demolitions of the Kariobangi North Estate on May 15, 2020, until a petition by the residents was determined.
