Residents of Mariguini slum in South B, Nairobi, on Tuesday, December 23, staged protests against planned government evictions linked to an upcoming affordable housing project, sparking tension and temporary traffic disruptions in the area.
The demonstrations saw hundreds of residents pour onto the streets, expressing anger and frustration over what they described as forced displacement without adequate consultation or resettlement plans.
Videos seen by Nairobi Leo show protesters marching through South B while chanting slogans, singing, ululating, and carrying twigs as a symbolic show of resistance.
As the crowd grew, protesters spilled onto the main road, briefly blocking vehicles and slowing traffic. Some demonstrators lay flat on the tarmac and rolled on the ground, a dramatic act aimed at drawing attention to their plight and opposition to the planned evictions.
Despite the charged emotions, the protests remained largely peaceful. There were no reports of violence, looting, or clashes with police by the time of publication. However, the situation remained tense as residents vowed to continue resisting any attempts to remove them from their homes.
The planned evictions in Mariguini have previously attracted sharp criticism from opposition leaders, with Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka emerging as one of the most vocal opponents. Speaking during a church service on December 14, Kalonzo condemned the eviction plans, arguing that the government’s affordable housing agenda should not come at the cost of rendering vulnerable citizens homeless.
“This so-called affordable housing is coming with so much pain,” Kalonzo said at the time. “We will explore every possible option, including legal action, to stop these evictions.”
The former Vice President further warned that his party would document the process thoroughly to ensure affected residents could pursue compensation should the evictions proceed.
“We will put everything on record so that when people are made homeless, there is evidence that can be used to seek compensation,” he said.
Kalonzo also cited Article 43 of the Constitution, which guarantees every Kenyan the right to accessible and adequate housing, stressing that the state has a duty to protect, not violate, this right.
“We must defend the constitutional right to shelter,” he added.
The unfolding situation in South B comes amid growing national debate over the government’s approach to implementing affordable housing projects, particularly in informal settlements.
Critics argue that while the housing agenda is necessary, it has often been executed without sufficient engagement with affected communities, proper relocation plans, or adherence to court orders.
In a related development, residents of SEPU area in Mukuru Kwa Njenga were reportedly evicted earlier on Tuesday despite an existing court order barring such actions.
The Environment and Land Court had issued a conservatory order stopping any evictions, demolitions, or interference with residents on the disputed land pending the hearing and determination of the case.
According to residents, security officers entered the area in the early hours of the morning and ordered families out of their homes, triggering panic and confusion. Many residents were forced to flee with little notice, scrambling to salvage household items and personal belongings.
Several families were left without shelter as uncertainty gripped the settlement.
Omayio Arang’a, a representative of the affected Mukuru residents, strongly condemned the eviction exercise, describing it as unlawful and inhumane. He accused the government of deliberately disregarding court directives and failing to respect the rule of law.
“This operation is illegal. There was a clear court order stopping any eviction, yet authorities went ahead anyway,” Arang’a said. “Families have been left exposed and traumatized.”
The twin incidents in South B and Mukuru have intensified scrutiny of the government’s affordable housing programme, with human rights groups and political leaders calling for greater transparency, legal compliance, and humane treatment of informal settlement residents.