Angry residents in Korogocho, Nairobi, set fire to the Residents Committee office on Tuesday, accusing local authorities of attempting to displace them from land near a riparian area.
The unrest occurred during a public meeting meant to gather feedback on the government’s plan to build affordable housing along the Nairobi River in the Korogocho area, part of a broader initiative to address the city’s housing shortage.
One resident, visibly frustrated, explained, “This is our land, and we will not allow anyone to take it from us.
We have lived here for decades. Where are we supposed to go? The government must stop this project and listen to us.”
The residents, in an act of defiance, torched the RC office in protest against the government’s housing project, which they have called a major injustice.
They believe that the plan will displace them without offering proper compensation or alternative housing.
“They want to build houses for the rich while we, the people who’ve lived here, are left with nothing.
This is not just a development project; it’s an injustice,” another resident declared.
The community claims they have lived in the area for many years and have no other place to relocate to.
Many of them are concerned that the affordable housing scheme, which they were promised would benefit them, will instead lead to further hardship, as they won’t be able to afford to relocate or buy new homes.
“The government says this affordable housing will help us, but we cannot afford to be relocated.
What will happen to those of us who have no means to buy new homes? This is a betrayal of the people,” said one local protester.
Local leaders have also joined the protests, calling for the government to halt the project and engage in further consultation with the community.
“The government cannot come here and uproot people who have called Korogocho home for generations.
We need proper consultation and fair compensation for those who will be affected,” said one of the community leaders. Concerns have also been raised about the environmental impact of the proposed construction on riparian land. “We are being forced off land near the river with no alternatives.
They think building homes on this riparian land is a solution, but it will only create more problems for us and for the environment,” added a local resident.
As of this morning, the situation remains tense in Korogocho, with reports of earlier protests and a heavy police presence in the area.
The residents, however, remain determined in their opposition.
“How can they burn down our homes and then offer us houses that we can’t even afford? This is not progress for us; it’s a displacement,” a protester angrily stated.
The residents have vowed to continue their fight against the government’s plan unless their concerns are addressed.
“The government needs to remember that we are the community, and our voices matter.
We will continue to fight until they listen to us and stop this injustice,” concluded another resident.
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