MPs Question Ongoing Demolition Of Structures Along Riparian Land
Starehe MP, Amos Mwago
By PSCU
Starehe MP, Amos Mwago yesterday raised alarm over the ongoing demolition of property on riparian land in his constituency.
“Hon Speaker, in May 2024 the Government directed that all structures put up on riparian land be demolished following the heavy rains that have caused flooding across the country,” stated Mwago.
“However the manner in which these demolitions are carried out are deeply concerning and raises and questions about the respect for human rights,” the MP added.
The Starehe Legislator requested for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Lands and the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee of Internal Security.
Mwago alleged that the demolition process has been carried out using excessive force and without proper planning rendering the victims homeless and on the streets.
He faulted the Government for not providing the displaced persons with alternative housing facilities while also questioning the compensation plans that were in place.
“These demolitions are taking place without a clear and transparent compensation plan. The purported compensation appears to only target a few individuals.” Mwago informed the House.
Embakasi West MP, Mark Mwenje while contributing to the matter decried the distressing impact that the demolition was causing in society.
“The situation as it is Honourable Speaker is quite dire because the Government is creating Internally Displaced Persons instead of protecting and creating housing for society,” stated Mwenje.
He further urged the government to come clear on the policies that stipulate the distance from rivers that can be considered as riparian land as it was not clear with different distances being implemented in different areas.
Ruaraka MP, TJ Kajwang on his part questioned the establishment of the Nairobi Rivers Commission which is spearheading the demolitions and restoration of riparian land by the President through a gazette Notice.
This Commission, he stated is unlawful and unconstitutional as only the Houses of Parliament have the powers of delegating legislation.
Kajwang also faulted the disparity in the way the Commission was going about demolishing property as only those living in the less affluent Eastlands region of Nairobi were affected by the demolition.
Dagoretti North MP, Beatrice Elachi also echoed Kajwang’s sentiments taking notice of the discrimination being used to undertake the demolition and compensation processes.
“The two Committee Chairpersons should furnish before this house a list of all the property on riparian land that is to be demolished as well as a list of all those who are to be compensated,” suggested Elachi.
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