This archive report was first published on 7 May 2020.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which has claimed 26 lives and infected 582 people in Kenya, Amnesty International Kenya has urged President Uhuru Kenyatta to take immediate action to protect the rights of thousands of people facing eviction from their homes.
On May 7, 2020, the organization's Director, Irungu Houghton, expressed deep concern over the recent evictions in Kariobangi, where over 5,000 people were displaced, despite a court order protecting their rights.
"It is inhumane and unfair for the government to render people homeless at a time the country is dealing with a global pandemic and floods," Houghton said.
Sam Olando from Pamoja Trust echoed similar sentiments, urging the president to direct the Ministries involved in the eviction to institute corrective measures for the resettlement of the affected families.
"The government must take full responsibility for the injustices suffered by these families and make reparatory measures to ensure they are compensated and protected from recurrent breaches of their rights," Olando said.
The demolitions were carried out despite an existing court order obtained recently as part of the government's efforts to reclaim thousands of acres of grabbed land meant for sewerage systems, water storage tanks, and water treatment plants.
Some of the affected residents claim they had allotment letters and were issued with title deeds last year.
The government has stated that the city has only 50% sewerage coverage, despite its growing population, leading to a major deterioration of the ecosystem and public health.
With the ongoing heavy rains and the COVID-19 pandemic, there are concerns of a humanitarian crisis if those displaced are not given an alternative, various leaders have warned.
