"Nihurumieni Am Back To Zero" Desperate Kayole Mum Of 12, Painfully Wails by River Bank as Roaring Bulldozer Demolishes Her House

A woman begging for demolitions to be stopped (l), as she had not picked anything before the demolitions started. Buildings were demolished in Kayole a while back. Photo: City Digest/ Esther Passaris.

Source: Twitter

In a devastating scene in Kayole, Nairobi, a mother of 12 children was left in tears as a bulldozer demolished her home. The community, including many unaware families, was suddenly displaced as the government reclaimed riparian lands, resulting in widespread distress.

Early one morning, the sound of heavy machinery disrupted the usual quiet of the neighborhood. Without prior warning, the demolition team began tearing down houses along the riverbank. The affected mother, alongside her children, watched in horror as their home was destroyed. "We were not informed of the demolitions. We have not even picked our belongings," she cried out to the police officers overseeing the operation. Despite her pleas, the demolitions proceeded relentlessly.

This family's plight is part of a broader crisis impacting Kayole's residents. Many families had established their lives in this area, unaware of or unable to act on eviction notices. The sudden destruction left them with nothing but the clothes on their backs. A young boy, visibly shaken, stood in shock as he watched the bulldozer reduce his home to rubble.

The government's demolition initiative aims to clear riparian zones—areas crucial for environmental conservation. Interior Security Kithure Kindiki had previously warned that the government would not tolerate farming or living in these sensitive areas. He stressed that those who did not vacate voluntarily would face forced eviction to protect the riparian lands.

However, the abrupt and unannounced demolitions have drawn significant criticism. Many residents and observers expressed their frustration and sorrow over the lack of proper communication and the suddenness of the operation. Questions arose about why the government targets poorer communities, suggesting that corrupt practices contribute to the creation of slums.

Social media reactions ranged from sympathy for the displaced families to outrage over the government's methods. Some users pointed out the silence of elected officials, possibly to avoid political fallout. Others called for a more compassionate and systematic approach to urban planning and land management in Nairobi.

As the dust settled over Kayole, the displaced families faced an uncertain future. With their homes and belongings destroyed, they now seek shelter and a way to rebuild their lives.