This archive report was first published on 8 May 2020.
On Friday morning, residents and traders of Kariobangi North took to the streets to protest the recent demolition in the area. The protests, which centered at the Kariobangi-Korogocho bridge – Komarock Road junction, disrupted traffic on Outering Road for close to two hours.
According to eyewitnesses, the protesters, mostly Monday evictees and Korogocho market traders, blocked the road and lit a bonfire, forcing motorists to use alternative routes. Police were forced to use teargas and water bowsers to disperse the crowd.
The demolition, which was carried out by the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company, left over 5,000 families homeless. The company claimed that the land belonged to them and had been encroached upon by the residents. However, many were irked by the exercise, which was carried out despite a court order to the contrary.
Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria condemned the demolition and evictions, stating that it was ill-timed. He acknowledged that the move was aimed at paving the way for an 'ultra-modern' city project but could have been done at a later date considering the country's current situation.
One of the protesters, Mary Wanjiru, called on President Uhuru to visit the area and witness the suffering of the residents firsthand. She stated, 'We voted for him, and we want him to come here and see our suffering.'
