The tragedy that happened in Huruma Estate in Nairobi was like one of those events that we often see in action movies. A six-storey building came down killing with now more than 40 people having lost their lives and more than 70 reported missing. The events have been made even more dramatic by the government of Kenya, which has a habit of reacting after the tragedy, deciding to demolish all other “condemned” buildings.
Reports show that the collapsed building in Huruma Estate was among the more than two hundred buildings that had been earmarked for demolition by the government. Of these two hundred buildings, only one demolished itself by coming down on its own killing innocent souls and injuring scores others. The incident triggered anger from Kenyans on the social media and on other platforms who blamed the authorities concerned for the loss of lives in Huruma as well as the destruction of property.
The Eviction
After the Huruma incident, the government came back to life and for once realized the danger that lied in the buildings that are built without the following of due procedures. In its wisdom, the government saw it best to sporadically start the demolition of building in Huruma Estate with more than 80 buildings having been earmarked. The demolition of the buildings that are prone to cause deaths is not a bad action but the manner in which the operation is being carried out is inhuman, uncalled for, uncouth and unprofessional.
The law requires that for one to be evicted, an eviction notice should be issued 21 days before the operation. In the case of Huruma, residents were given an eviction notice of two days. There is a big difference between 21 days and two days. The government has broken its own law, which it is supposed preserve and protect.
Caught unaware
Most residents of Huruma whose houses were demolished were caught unaware. Tractors swung into action to demolish houses without putting into considerations of the people living in them as well as the property within them. People left in a haste and thieves took the advantage to loot from the people. One woman for instance lost everything including her bed and the only thing she remained with were the clothes on her body and her son. Most property perished in the demolition and thousands were left homeless. It is a rainy season and people slept in the cold with small children being the most affected. Why didn’t the government give residents whose houses were demolished enough time to vacate? Who authorized the issuing of two days as an eviction notice? When was the law of eviction changed from 21 days to two days? Does the poor man has any hope of living and getting any consideration from the government?
Rent
Most tenants usually pay their rent on the 5th day of every month. By the time the demolition was being done, most tenants had already paid their rent. Being tenants who struggle to make both ends meet and the majority of who live under one dollar a day, means that they cannot afford to pay rent elsewhere. What mechanisms has the government put in place to make sure that those tenants who had paid their rent get it back? Who will compensate these people all the property that they have lost? Who will give them a home now that they are homeless? Was it their fault that they lived in such buildings?
Most people live in such buildings because they cannot afford other classic houses. For the government to evict them without proper planning of where they are moving is inhuman.
Article by Juma Fred.