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President William Ruto has said he stepped in to stop demolitions in Mukuru Kwa Njenga informal settlement after violent confrontations and protests broke out earlier this week.
The demolitions, which started on Tuesday, saw bulldozers escorted by security officers move into the area as residents attempted to resist the exercise.
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Ruto said he was alarmed to learn that houses were being brought down without proper notice or engagement with the affected community. He noted that he immediately ordered the exercise to be halted, stressing that the era of forceful demolitions and intimidation of citizens was over.
The President insisted that government projects must involve dialogue, clear communication and humane solutions, adding that Kenyans should be informed and offered alternative settlement options whenever development plans affect their homes.
He explained that slum upgrading should be done in partnership with residents, with clear plans and relocation arrangements where necessary.
The demolitions, reportedly linked to plans to expand feeder roads within the settlement, sparked anger among residents and leaders. On January 20, tensions escalated into clashes between police and locals as officers used tear gas to disperse crowds trying to block the machinery.
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Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja criticised the operation, saying it had not been approved by the county government. He argued that the exercise was conducted without consultation, proper planning permissions or regard for the rights of residents.
Sakaja termed the demolitions illegal and called for compensation for those affected, emphasising that both county and national authorities must involve communities before carrying out such actions.
Mukuru Kwa Njenga, which is home to hundreds of thousands of low-income residents, has long been a focal point of redevelopment and resettlement discussions. Last year, the government rolled out thousands of units under its affordable housing programme in the area to provide safer living options.
Despite these efforts, many residents continue to live in overcrowded and vulnerable conditions, with previous relocation initiatives facing challenges in implementation and community engagement.
The latest demolition attempt comes amid ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure, drainage and road access, and to formalise housing in informal settlements.
However, community leaders and human rights organisations have repeatedly warned that heavy-handed demolitions risk leaving vulnerable families homeless without compensation or alternative housing.
