This archive report was first published on 24 July 2019.
On July 24, 2019, a tense morning unfolded in Nairobi's Mathare 4B area as residents clashed with police over the demolition of their structures.
According to eyewitnesses, the riots began around 4 am, with residents lobbing teargas canisters back at the police in an attempt to restore calm.
A child was allegedly injured after being hit by a teargas canister lobbed by the police into their house.
The child's father administered first aid, as the baby fainted following the incident.
The riots led to the closure of businesses and disruption of school programs, with pupils unable to attend classes.
Residents claim that the police demolished their structures to push them out and sell the premises to foreigners who are offering higher prices.
They also accused the police of using their powers to carry out brutality against residents, describing it as the worst police conduct.
Residents are calling on the government to take responsibility and hold accountable police officers who are not ethical and do not work in accordance with the law.
