Babu Owino calls out Gov’t for being insensitive after Mukuru demolitions

Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has condemned the government following the demolitions in Mukuru, a densely populated informal settlement in Nairobi.

The demolitions began on Friday morning, leaving thousands of residents homeless. This came after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki announced that all Kenyans living near water reservoirs and dams must vacate immediately or face mandatory evacuation.

Mukuru demolitions

The abrupt demolitions left many residents with little time to salvage their belongings, and their homes were reduced to rubble.

Babu Owino expressed his dismay at the timing of the demolitions, questioning the government’s decision to evict people during heavy rainfall and floods without providing alternative housing.

He criticized President William Ruto for not understanding the struggles of the country’s “hustlers” and hinted at public unrest if the government continues its current policies.

“This government is so insensitive. How do you evict people from Mukuru slums in the midst of heavy rainfall and floods? Where do you expect them to go? Ruto, the dynasty, cannot understand what hustlers are going through. One day State House will be FLOODED with people,” Babu Owino stated.

In response to the demolitions, Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Coalition Party leader Raila Odinga also condemned the government’s actions.

Mukuru foods distribution

During a food distribution exercise in the Mukuru slums, Raila urged the government to build suitable housing for residents before demolishing their current homes.

He also called on the government to declare the ongoing floods a national disaster, which would allow the country to seek international assistance to mitigate the impact of severe weather conditions.

The demolitions occurred amid an ongoing national crisis caused by heavy rains. Approximately 196,296 people have been affected, with at least 210 lives lost due to severe weather conditions, including an additional 22 fatalities.

A total of 33,100 households have been displaced, impacting approximately 165,500 people. Additionally, 1,967 schools have suffered significant infrastructure damage.