*ODM Condemns Demolition of Woodley Estate Homes, Calls It "Inhumane and Colonial"*

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has strongly criticized the nighttime demolition of residential apartments in Nairobi's Woodley Estate, describing the act as a "colonial approach" that has no place in modern Kenya.

In a statement, Acting ODM Party Leader and Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang' Nyong’o condemned the manner in which the demolitions were executed, emphasizing that while the plan to develop high-density apartments in the area is commendable, the process should have been carried out with greater humanity and organization.


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“A better approach would have been to construct high-density housing units elsewhere and facilitate the relocation of Woodley residents in a humane and orderly manner. To demolish homes in the dead of night is a colonial practice that should not happen in Kenya today,” said Nyong’o.

Nyong’o further accused the Nairobi County Government of violating Article 43(1)(b) of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to adequate housing, as well as United Nations guidelines on involuntary resettlement. He called on the county government to adopt a more compassionate and lawful approach in serving its citizens.

“It is deeply concerning that this historic estate, home to many prominent Kenyans, has been destroyed without consideration for the residents. Among its former occupants were freedom fighter Ramogi Achieng’ Oneko, Barack Obama Sr., Argwings Kodhek, Odinge Odera, and the late Mulu Mutisya, along with many other professionals and key historical figures,” he added.


The demolitions, which left 43 families homeless, including veteran broadcaster Sammy Lui, have sparked outrage among the affected residents. They argued that the demolitions were carried out without their involvement or consent, leaving them unprepared for the sudden displacement.

ODM has appealed to the Nairobi County Government to rethink its approach to urban redevelopment, urging it to prioritize human dignity and constitutional rights in future projects.