This archive report was first published on 25 July 2019.
On July 25, 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 police attempting to restore calm by lobbing teargas canisters at the rioters.
A two-year-old boy was allegedly hit by a teargas canister in his home, leaving him injured and requiring first aid from his father.
The incident sparked widespread disruption, with businesses forced to close and school programs brought to a halt as pupils stayed home.
Residents claim that the demolitions were a ploy by the police to push them out of their business premises and sell the land to foreign investors, who are willing to pay more.
They also accused the police of using their powers to carry out brutality against the residents, describing it as the worst police conduct.
Residents are now calling on the government to take responsibility and sack police officers who are not ethical and do not work in accordance with the law.
