Ruto Orders Immediate Halt to Mukuru Kwa Njenga Demolitions After Clashes

President William Ruto has ordered an immediate halt to demolitions in Nairobi’s Mukuru Kwa Njenga settlement after clashes between residents and security forces during a road expansion exercise.

The demolitions began earlier in the week as part of plans to open feeder roads within the densely populated area. Bulldozers moved into the settlement on Tuesday, prompting residents to block the machinery. Police later used tear gas on 20 January to disperse crowds, leading to confrontations that disrupted the operation.

Local leaders and human rights organisations criticised the exercise, warning that families were being displaced without proper notice, consultation, or compensation. They argued that the approach failed to meet legal and humanitarian standards for projects affecting informal settlements.

Speaking on the issue, President Ruto said the demolitions had been carried out improperly. He condemned the use of force and the absence of engagement with affected residents, stating that demolishing homes without due process was unacceptable. He directed those involved to stop the exercise immediately.

The president said government development efforts should prioritise dialogue and provide alternatives for displaced households. He pointed to the affordable housing programme in Mukuru Kwa Njenga, where thousands of housing units were launched last year, as an example of development that does not require forced evictions. Despite this, many residents in the area continue to live in insecure conditions.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja also criticised the demolitions and said the county government had not authorised the operation. He described it as unlawful and called for compensation for families whose homes had been affected. He added that both county and national authorities must consult communities before implementing projects that directly affect them.

Mukuru Kwa Njenga, which is home to hundreds of thousands of people, remains central to Nairobi’s efforts to improve infrastructure while addressing housing needs.