Johnson Sakaja’s leadership of Nairobi County is coming under increasing human rights and constitution violations, particularly following the controversial demolitions in Woodley Estate.
These demolitions, which took place under the authority of the Nairobi County Government, have sparked outrage due to the manner in which they were carried out and the significant human cost involved.
Authorized at night, these demolitions forcibly displaced long-term residents, including elderly individuals and families, to make way for a housing redevelopment project.
Many of those affected were caught off guard by the eviction, as they were neither consulted nor adequately compensated.
This situation has raised serious questions about governance, human rights, and the administration’s commitment to the welfare of Nairobians.
The demolitions in Woodley Estate have been condemned by residents, human rights advocates, and political leaders alike for their inhumaneness and the manner in which they were done.
Described by many as reminiscent of colonial-era tactics, these night-time evictions were conducted without regard for the constitutional rights of the displaced individuals.
According to Article 43(1)(b) of the Kenyan Constitution, every citizen has the right to accessible and adequate housing, a right that was flagrantly violated during the evictions.
The demolitions also contradict international standards, including the UN’s guidelines on involuntary resettlement, which emphasize the need for consultation, fairness, and compensation.
The absence of these principles during the demolition process reveals a grave failure of leadership in Sakaja’s administration.
One of the most distressing aspects of the demolitions is the lack of public participation, which is legally required for such large-scale projects.
Residents of Woodley Estate, including elderly individuals who had lived in the area for over 50 years, claim they were blindsided by the decision to demolish their homes.
The failure to engage with the community and involve them in the planning process underscores a breakdown in governance and a disregard for the human element of urban development.
The demolitions also wiped out portions of Nairobi’s historical heritage, including the homes of prominent figures such as Barack Obama Sr. and Ramogi Achieng’ Oneko.
For many, these homes represented not just personal history but a connection to Nairobi’s cultural and political legacy.
The justification for the demolitions reclaiming land allegedly grabbed by private developers raises further concerns.
While the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has pursued legal avenues to repossess the land in question, critics argue that the demolitions were handled in a manner that lacked transparency and due process.
Instead of prioritizing fair compensation and alternative housing solutions for displaced residents, the demolitions were carried out with minimal forethought.
This has led to accusations of poor planning and a lack of empathy for vulnerable populations, especially the elderly and those with limited resources.
Political figures, including ODM’s acting leader Anyang’ Nyong’o, have condemned the demolitions, calling them cruel and unnecessary.
Civil society groups have also voiced their concerns, highlighting the broader implications of such actions for urban renewal projects in Nairobi.
Critics argue that these projects seem to prioritize profit-driven partnerships with private developers, such as Africa Reit Ltd., while neglecting the fundamental rights of Nairobi’s residents.
These urban renewal initiatives, rather than being a means to uplift the city’s inhabitants, appear to be driven by corporate interests, with the welfare of the people taking a backseat.
Johnson Sakaja’s leadership in Nairobi County is increasingly on the spot.
His administration must now answer for its failure to balance urban development with the rights of residents, historical preservation, and adherence to constitutional principles.
With each passing day, the city spirals further into chaos, and Sakaja’s leadership appears increasingly detached from the needs of ordinary citizens.
If governance in Nairobi continues along this path, the vision of a city that serves all its people may remain nothing more than a distant dream.
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