Anger erupts as residents consider next move after being evicted due to floods

Residents living on riverfront land in Nairobi have criticized government instructions to evict them from the area without giving them alternative land to relocate to.

Civil society and human rights groups also called the ongoing forced evictions on riverside land unconstitutional and a grave violation of fundamental human rights.

Eric Omondi, a resident of Kambi Moto, near the Nairobi dam, said: “On Saturday, the government gave us no alternative destination and told us we had to leave by Monday. I don't know if I should go,” he said.

Edwin Otieno lamented the suddenness of the government's notice and asked for more time to find another home.

“They should have given us more time to find a place to move to. We have already paid this month's rent, but we don't know where to find the money to live in another house, which is difficult to find. “Where do you want to be?'' Let's go,'' Otieno said.

This came despite the government's announcement to facilitate the provision of logistical support, alternative accommodation and essential supplies to affected people.

Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said: “The government is arranging alternative accommodation for those affected and they will be considered for public housing on a priority basis.”

The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has condemned the demolition of houses on riparian land as an injustice targeting the poor.

“Even before the government deadline passed, bulldozers descended on Nairobi's Mukuru Kwa Reuben and Kimaiko areas without sufficient notice or proper consultation, resulting in forced and arbitrary evictions and Thousands of local residents were left homeless. Still, wealthier areas were flooded.''Furthermore, those sitting on riverfront land were left untouched, selective, punitive and discriminatory. “This highlights the unique nature of the expedition,” the KHRC statement said.

KHRC said the evictions violated the Constitution, the UN Guiding Principles on Eviction, the UN Guiding Principles on the Assistance and Protection of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), and the recent Cabinet decision to humanely relocate and evacuate affected families. He said he is doing so.

“In fact, forced evictions of this type seriously undermine fundamental rights and freedoms, including the rights to adequate housing, food, water, health, education, work, safety, human dignity, fair administrative measures, freedom of movement, etc. “Infringement and is prohibited under any circumstances,'' the statement reads.

This comes at a time when Kenyans are being urged to plant trees in honor of those who died in the floods.

Environment Minister Soipan Tuya said tree planting will reduce the impact of environmental degradation.

“The deaths of 228 Kenyans, the displacement of many people and the destruction of infrastructure could have been reduced if more trees had been planted that could hold the soil during the rainy season,” Tuya said.

The CS spoke at the Kanyarili Anglican Kenya Church (ACK) in Kabete, Kiambu County, where he attended Sunday services and a fundraiser for church renovations, along with Labor and Social Security Secretary Florence Boa.

Tuya announced that one day will be set aside for national tree planting across the country this week when rain is expected to subside.

CS donated mattresses and blankets to Kanyarili flood victims.

Meanwhile, the British High Commission in Nairobi has pledged Sh140 million in emergency funding to support flood relief efforts in Kenya.

The funds will be donated to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to provide emergency humanitarian assistance to those most affected by extreme weather events.

“This funding will enable us to provide cash assistance to around 6,900 households in the most affected counties. UNICEF will also provide integrated support including the provision of safe drinking water, temporary sanitation and health facilities. “Through our work, we will provide urgently needed health, nutrition and hygiene services by providing hygiene kits to families displaced by the floods,” a joint statement from the British High Commission and UNICEF said. There is.

“UNICEF will also strengthen cholera prevention interventions to ensure the health and well-being of affected populations and prevent outbreaks of waterborne diseases,” the statement said.

Neil Wigan, British High Commissioner to Kenya, said the situation many Kenyans were facing as a result of recent extreme weather and flooding was heartbreaking.

“This emergency funding from the UK will help alleviate the suffering of displaced people and those affected by the crisis. We stand with Kenya in this emergency and continue to support UNICEF, the Government of Kenya and others. We will continue to work closely with our partners and assist in any way we can.'' Mr Wigan said.

So far, at least 228 people have lost their lives as a result of the floods that have wreaked havoc across the country.

The government said 164 Kenyans were injured and 72 were reported missing.

Approximately 212,630 people from 42,526 households have also been forced to evacuate. The total number of people affected nationwide was 223,198.