Residents of Mukuru Kwa Reuben slums in Nairobi voiced regret over their choice to vote for President William Ruto after his government demolished their homes. Bulldozers from the National Youth Service (NYS) commenced the demolition of houses near riverbanks on Friday, igniting frustration and anger among the local community.
Residents raised concerns about the lack of prior notice from the government before the demolition of their homes, noting that their belongings were still inside when the demolitions began. An unidentified woman, speaking to Citizen Digital, conveyed her distress, highlighting that she now had nowhere to go after all her household items were destroyed along with her house.
"Ruto, tulikupigia kura na sasa unabomoa nyumba zetu bila notice…Mungu anakuona. Hii machozi tunalia Mungu anayaona...utajua Mungu ni nani," she said while shedding tears.
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The demolition of houses near riverbanks ensued after the 48-hour notice given to the public to vacate the area had expired. On Wednesday, the Cabinet directed individuals residing in hazardous zones—such as areas near dams, water reservoirs on public or private land, regions prone to mudslides and landslides, and riparian lands along rivers and other watercourses—to relocate promptly.
Although the Government encouraged voluntary evacuation, it also emphasized that individuals who opt to stay within the affected areas will be forcibly relocated in the interest of their safety.
