The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has issued five urgent demands to the government following the ongoing unlawful demolitions and evictions in Nyama Villa, Kayole, which have left hundreds of families homeless and exposed to severe hardship.
The commission is calling for immediate action to address what it termed as violations of both Kenyan law and international human rights standards.
According to KHRC, the demolitions, which began on December 16, 2024, continue despite a court order issued on the same day barring any further evictions or demolitions until legal proceedings are concluded.
KHRC says its fact-finding mission on December 18, 2024, revealed that the evictions are being carried out with the active involvement of state actors, including the police and Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) personnel, in complicity with a private entity.
“These unlawful actions are a direct violation of both the Constitution and international law, particularly the right to adequate housing,” KHRC said in a statement on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.
The commission also condemned the use of excessive force, coercive agreements forcing residents to pay bribes to save their homes, and the overall disregard for legal procedures during the demolitions.
In light of these violations, KHRC has made the following demands to the government:
1. Immediate halt to all demolitions
KHRC calls for the immediate cessation of all demolitions in Nyama Villa and for the government to enforce the court order issued on December 16, 2024.
“The government must respect the rule of law and put an end to the destruction of homes,” KHRC said.
2. Accountability for state actors
The commission demands accountability for police officers and other state actors involved in facilitating what it termed as unlawful demolitions.
Specifically, KHRC is calling for the Inspector General of Police, Nairobi County Police Commander, Sub-County Commander in Embakasi, and the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Kayole Police Station to be held responsible for their complicity in the evictions.
Meanwhile, police issued a statement saying that the evictions followed due process.
The police also noted that the land ownership issue has been in court for several years, and that an eviction order was issued in May 2013, should the defendants fail to vacate the property.
3. Compensation for displaced families
KHRC insists that the government provide immediate restitution and compensation to the families displaced by the demolitions.
According to KHRC, these families, already subjected to immense trauma, must be adequately compensated for the loss of their homes and property.
4. Thorough investigation
The commission is calling for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the role of private entities in the demolitions.
“There must be full accountability for the private company behind these actions, which have been carried out without legal title to the land,” KHRC stated.
5. Urgent housing rights reforms
KHRC has called on the government to urgently implement systemic reforms to protect housing rights.
This includes fully enacting the Evictions and Resettlement Procedures Bill to ensure that all future evictions and demolitions are carried out in accordance with the law and international standards.
“These actions represent a disturbing trend of impunity in the misuse of state resources and a disregard for citizens’ rights,” KHRC concluded.
The commission has vowed to take legal action if the government fails to address its demands regarding the Nyama Villa evictions.
“Should authorities fail to act, KHRC will take immediate legal action against the violators.”
The ongoing demolitions in Nyama Villa have sparked widespread outrage, with many calling it a clear violation of residents’ rights to shelter and security.
As the pressure on the government intensifies, KHRC’s demands have become a focal point for calls for justice and accountability.
