Muungano statement on the unlawful forced evictions in Kariobangi, Nairobi

About two weeks ago, forced evictions were carried out in Kariobangi North by police acting on behalf of the Nairobi Sewage and Water Authority, which is part of the Nairobi Metropolitan Services Authority. Homes, property and businesses were destroyed. At at least 5,000 families became homeless.

Tens of thousands of people are now living in the open, as the coronavirus pandemic ramps up in Kenya and amidst heavy rains that continue to be experienced all over the country. Care or support has not yet been provided to these people, many of whom are vulnerable. Many of the displaced are elderly, children and sick people — and everyone is at a greater risk of becoming vulnerable or more vulnerable as a result of the destruction of their homes and livelihoods. There can be no justification for such actions, which were carried out without assurance of adequate alternative accommodation for the displaced.

Muungano wa Wanavijiiji condemns the Kariobangi North forced evictions in the strongest terms and calls upon the relevant bodies to act in the face of such unfortunate human rights violations. We urge the government to address the evictions in Kariobangi North as an urgent matter and to act on the grave concerns we and others have raised.

Please share this statement — we seek the support of everyone on this matter so that the people who have been displaced, and who are part of our communities, can be settled and allowed to live in dignity.