A report we came across from Nairobi this morning reminded us of the many community stories we have covered before—stories where ordinary people stand up when they feel pushed to the wall.
That same spirit inspired the latest development in Makongeni, where the Environment and Land Court has temporarily stopped the planned evictions and demolitions.
The government had earlier directed residents to leave the estate before December 2 to make space for an affordable housing project. But the people living there said the move was rushed, unfair, and heavy-handed.
The court stepped in after community representative Otieno Willis Evans Otieno filed a petition on behalf of several Makongeni families. He argued that the residents were being forced out after their water and electricity were cut without notice.
The government had earlier directed residents to leave the estate before December 2 to make space for an affordable housing project. But the people living there said the move was rushed, unfair, and heavy-handed.
The court stepped in after community representative Otieno Willis Evans Otieno filed a petition on behalf of several Makongeni families. He argued that the residents were being forced out after their water and electricity were cut without notice.
According to him, these services were switched off to pressure people to move before the project even began.
In the conservatory orders issued on Monday, the court directed the government to restore water and electricity immediately.
In the conservatory orders issued on Monday, the court directed the government to restore water and electricity immediately.
It also barred any further evictions or demolitions until the full case is heard. Residents say the ruling is a rare moment where the powerless have been heard.
Speaking after the decision, Otieno called the victory a sign that even in tense moments, the Constitution still protects vulnerable communities.
Speaking after the decision, Otieno called the victory a sign that even in tense moments, the Constitution still protects vulnerable communities.
“Makongeni cannot be wiped out just like that. People have roots here,” he said.
Government officials had earlier promised that once the new houses are built, the current residents would be given first priority to buy them.
Government officials had earlier promised that once the new houses are built, the current residents would be given first priority to buy them.
While this brought some hope, people remained worried because most families had not yet received compensation.
Only about 3,000 residents had received the promised Ksh150,000 relocation support, leaving the majority stranded.
The case gained even more attention a day after the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) warned the government against carrying out evictions that violate human rights.
The case gained even more attention a day after the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) warned the government against carrying out evictions that violate human rights.
LSK President Faith Odhiambo said the government must respect basic rights and follow proper housing-related procedures before displacing anyone.
She noted that if evictions must proceed, residents should be given enough time to move, and vulnerable groups — including children, the elderly, and women — must be protected.
She noted that if evictions must proceed, residents should be given enough time to move, and vulnerable groups — including children, the elderly, and women — must be protected.
LSK reminded the state that international standards require authorities to give written notice and conduct any relocation in a humane and secure manner.
The situation in Makongeni has also sparked debate about how affordable housing projects should be implemented across the country.
The situation in Makongeni has also sparked debate about how affordable housing projects should be implemented across the country.
Many people say development should not come at the cost of destroying communities without proper planning.
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