The Government has suspended further demolition of buildings. The directive issued yesterday by Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua came as a relief to hundreds of families in Nairobi whose property had been earmarked for demolition.
Mr Kinyua ordered the immediate suspension of demolitions in Nyamavilla Estate in Nairobi, which targeted more than 600 homes sitting on a 20-acre piece of land.
“It is notified for the general information of the public that the Government has forthwith directed the immediate suspension of all demolition of properties in all parts of the country until further notice,” said Kinyua.
In the press statement, Kinyua said the Government would give the way forward on the controversial exercise that has brought untold misery to hundreds of homeowners.
At least 600 people were left homeless in Kayole after bulldozers and excavators descended on their homes on Tuesday.
The order to suspend demolitions is a reprieve for owners of the houses built in Buruburu Farmers Land, Njiru, Mowlem and Saika who had been given until December 24 to vacate their homes.
Kenya Power had indicated the houses are illegal because they stand on power line reserves.
[Article source: The Standard, by Josphat Thiong’o]
