Floods Fueling Forceful Evictions in Nairobi's Informal Settlements

Nairobi, Kenya - Kenya's government is intensifying its efforts to evacuate informal settlements in Nairobi located along riverbanks, following President William Ruto's directive to clear all homes near the nation’s waterways.

This decision was made in response to recent severe flooding that resulted in significant loss of life and property, particularly an incident 50 kilometers east of the capital where a torrent of water claimed many lives.

The forceful eviction, which began last Tuesday, has escalated tensions in Nairobi’s riverside settlements.

Many residents expressed shock and distress, stating they were caught unprepared despite the expiration of a 48-hour evacuation notice issued five days prior.

The sight of homes being demolished has left many residents distraught, with some pointing fingers at President Ruto for not protecting the vulnerable populations he vowed to safeguard during his campaign.

Elizabeth Katana, a local resident, voiced her frustration directly: "Ruto we voted for because you said you will safeguard the poor, now are you helping the poor or you are actually finishing them. If you plan to finish poor people then just bomb us all and get it done with," reflecting the desperation and anger felt by many.

As bulldozers and excavators dismantled structures, residents scrambled to salvage materials such as iron sheets and timber, anything that might help them rebuild or sell for income.

The ongoing floods and landslides across Kenya have caused over 200 deaths to date, with 164 people still reported missing. The crisis has displaced approximately 42,526 households, affecting over 210,000 individuals nationwide.

In response to the escalating displacement, the Interior Ministry announced it has started establishing camps around the country to accommodate those displaced by the flooding.

These evictions and the broader context of environmental catastrophe highlight the challenges facing Kenya in managing natural disasters and urban planning, particularly in balancing safety measures with the rights and needs of its most vulnerable populations.