In Mukuru Wa Reuben slum in Nairobi, Kenya, homes have been demolished due to government orders following heavy rains and flooding in East Africa, BBC News reported.
The government mandated the evacuation of residents living near rivers to mitigate the risk of further casualties and asserted that living within 40 meters of a riverbank is illegal. However, the abrupt nature of the demolitions left many, like Nicholas, a casual laborer, and Phylis, a single mother of two, reeling from the loss of their homes and struggling to comprehend their next steps.
The demolitions were aimed at relocating residents living near rivers to prevent further deaths and were conducted abruptly, catching many off guard. Witnesses reported the involvement of the army in overseeing the demolitions, though the government did not confirm this. Meanwhile, footage circulated by local media depicted scenes of destruction, adding to the distress of displaced residents who were left grappling with the sudden loss of their homes and belongings.
Residents like Nicholas and Phylis expressed shock and anger at the sudden destruction of their homes, leaving them without shelter and unsure of where to go next. Despite the government’s efforts to relocate affected individuals to newly built camps, challenges persist as the region braces for continued torrential rains and the looming threat of a cyclone, as warned by President William Ruto.
