In the Kenyan capital, the slum of Mukuru Wa Reuben is now filled with twisted scraps of metal, large splinters of wood, and misplaced mattresses, which are all that is left of the homes that once belonged to people.
In Nairobi County, many residents have also experienced the demolition of their homes.
The demolitions are happening because the government has ordered people living near rivers to evacuate their homes and relocate to higher ground due to the ongoing heavy rains and flooding that have affected East Africa for several weeks. The majority of neighborhoods located along river valleys are constructed on marginal land, often forming slums. The demolitions were deemed essential by the government to avoid more casualties.
The government also stated that residing within 40 meters of a riverbank is against the law. Previously, officials instructed residents in designated zones to leave within 24 hours, a deadline that passed on Friday evening.
Many people living in the area expressed that they were taken aback and had their houses destroyed earlier than expected. Nicholas, a temporary worker, returned home from his job to discover his house completely destroyed.
He appeared visibly shocked as he expressed his pain and frustration, noting that they should have been given more time to prepare and plan financially.
However, it is not fair to provide us with short notice while we are working.
Phylis, a mother of two, expressed that she, like Nicholas, was figuring out her next steps and logistics for moving her salvaged items. She angrily states, “I am a single mother with children who have not eaten anything. They have disrupted our way of life.”
People tried to save whatever items they could salvage from the situation. According to individuals who saw the demolitions happen, the army was believed to be behind it, as seen in footage from local media showing men in military attire overseeing the destruction.
The army has not issued a statement regarding the matter. Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura stated that the individuals impacted by the floods are the same people facing fatalities. “When the water recedes, individuals return to their homes. Therefore, it is crucial for the government to provide clear and definitive guidance.”
Despite the destruction of some areas in Mukuru Wa Reuben and the warnings of flooding, residents such as Nicholas have stated that they will stay near their destroyed homes on Friday night because they have no alternative accommodation available.
The government maintains that constructing near a river is both illegal and hazardous.
The government has stated that it has moved nearly 27,600 displaced individuals into newly constructed camps due to the floods.
According to the most recent official estimates, about 210 individuals in the country have lost their lives due to the floods, while another 90 are still missing. In the past week, over 50 people perished as a surge of water engulfed villages close to Nairobi, the capital city.
The authorities have issued a warning that heavy rains are expected to persist for the rest of the month, with 178 dams and water reservoirs at risk of overflowing.
President William Ruto has issued a warning to the country about the possibility of experiencing its first cyclone, as Hidaya is intensifying along the Tanzanian coast.
He instructed through a live broadcast that schools should remain closed until further notice. In Tanzania, government representative Mobhare Matinyi informed the BBC that they are ready to evacuate residents living in coastal regions that are in danger of being affected by the cyclone.
The authorities are on alert and prepared to take action to ensure the safety of the people, especially in the largest city, Dar es Salaam. Residents have been advised to be careful.
Other areas that are expected to feel the impact of the cyclone are Mtwara, Lindi, Tanga, and Zanzibar. The national meteorological agency announced on Friday that the cyclone was anticipated to result in heavy rainfall and powerful winds.
As of now, 155 individuals have lost their lives due to flooding in the country. Nevertheless, the government has not halted transportation between Dar es Salaam and the Zanzibar islands.
Mr. Matinyi urged individuals engaging in maritime activities and transportation to exercise caution and adhere to advice provided by the meteorology agency in order to minimize potential risks.
On Friday afternoon, shops and businesses near the coast in Dar es Salaam were open as usual. However, some individuals mentioned that they were leaving work early due to the potential threat of heavy rainfall.
NwirWhen she returned to Nairobi, Phylis, who had already been evicted from her home, pressured the authorities to develop a solid relocation strategy. “She expressed the need for a solution if the government decides to demolish our houses. It is important to inform us where we can go after the demolition as we are unaware of our options,” she stated.
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