Sakaja marks State House wall set to be demolished after Ruto’s orders
By Emmanuel Rono, April 14, 2026Part of the State House’s perimeter wall that was built on riparian land has been marked for demolition in a move to reclaim Nairobi’s waterways.
According to a notice on his WhatsApp channel on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, alongside State House administration officials, representatives from the Nairobi River Commission, and the Nairobi West Sub-County leadership, announced the decision as part of the ongoing Nairobi River Regeneration Programme.
Governor Sakaja stated that the move was a demonstration of leadership and accountability, noting that the President, as the “primary tenant” of State House, had agreed to comply with environmental regulations.
“I want to thank the president. He is the primary tenant here and has led by example. If this wall at the State House can come down, then every other structure along the riparian land must also be removed,” he said.
Need for demolition
Authorities say more than Ksh50 billion has been committed to the programme, which includes river clean-up, construction of pedestrian walkways and cycling lanes, and the creation of public recreational spaces.
“We are restoring the Nairobi River, creating walkways, reclaiming riparian land, and transforming the city. The walkways will serve as transport corridors where people can walk or cycle safely, with lighting and security,” Sakaja added.
He noted that the project will eventually connect key parts of the city, allowing residents to move from areas such as Eastleigh to Westlands through scenic river corridors.
The initiative also includes major developments such as the construction of a modern Gikomba Market and the transformation of areas like Globe Roundabout. In Westlands and other affected regions, public participation forums are ongoing to ensure residents understand and support the changes.
“It is unfortunate that some politicians are misleading people against what is beneficial for all of us. This programme is for the good of Nairobi,” he said.
He also issued a safety warning to youth and residents, cautioning them against scavenging materials from partially demolished buildings.
“We will not allow people to risk their lives by scavenging from unsafe structures. Demolitions will be supervised to ensure safety,” he stated.
Ruto demolition order
This follows the directives by President William Ruto, who ordered that a section of the State House built on riparian land be demolished.
While speaking during his address to the Nairobi County Assembly at the City Hall precincts on Thursday, April 9, 2026, the President stated that State House had received a notice from the multi-agency team reclaiming riparian land, indicating that part of the State House boundary falls within the riparian land of the Kirichwa Kubwa River.
The president said that despite this, the section must come down. He further added that the team informed him that almost 15 metres of State House land falls within the riparian reserve. He continued, stating that cities all over the world did not become large simply by chance but because their leaders chose discipline over disorder.
“We have received notice from the multi-agency claiming riparian land that part of the State House boundary, the wall along Kirichwa Kubwa River, falls within the riparian reserve, and it must come down. They have told me at least 15 metres from the high mark,” Ruto said.