This archive report was first published on 16 July 2019.
On July 16, 2019, a group of over 50 families in Nairobi woke up to find themselves homeless after a midnight eviction by city askaris.
The evictions, which took place behind Pangani Police Station, were carried out using lorries and bulldozers, with the askaris demolishing windows and doors and forcing occupants out.
According to Maureen Siloui, the residents had agreed with the governor that they would be allowed to stay until July 31, but the notice given to them was verbal.
‘‘We had a meeting with the governor and we pleaded with him and yes he agreed that we stay up to 31st July but the notice he gave us was verbal, we are not opposing this urban renewal but are we are being handled as thugs,we tried to tell them that our children are asleep they give us time nobody heard that.’’ She lamented.
Not all residents were compensated, with some being told to wait after submitting the required documents to the office of the governor. Those who were given compensation received Sh. 600,000 cheques.
There is currently no memorandum of understanding between the affected residents and the developers, and the residents claim they have not been issued with a development plan for the project.
