This archive report was first published on 16 May 2020.
On Saturday, the government carried out a demolition exercise in Ruai, leaving dozens of families without homes.
The demolition, which took place under the cover of darkness, has sparked outrage among residents who claim they were not given adequate notice.
The affected families are among hundreds of people who have been evicted from their homes in recent weeks to pave way for the expansion of the Dandora Sewerage Treatment Plant in Ruai.
The plant, which was built in 1980, was initially meant to serve 80 per cent of city residents. However, further expansion has been hampered due to encroachment on its land.
As a result, the treated effluent does not meet required quality standards due to overloading.
According to reports, the government is seeking to expand the plant by acquiring two properties with a total acreage of 3,000 and worth a whopping Sh20 billion.
On Friday, the high court temporarily halted any further house demolitions in Kariobangi North, until a petition filed by the residents is heard and determined.
Earlier this month, a similar demolition exercise in Kariobangi North left about 5,000 families homeless.
On May 3, Justice Samson Okong'o issued a court order barring the demolition exercise, but the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company went ahead and demolished the houses on May 4.
