Nyong’o demands end to Woodley demolitions

By Peter Ochieng

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) interim party leader Anyang’ Nyong’o has called for an immediate end to demolition of residential houses in Nairobi’s Woodley estate.

Nyong’o who doubles up as Kisumu governor said the idea of using the space at Woodley estate to house more people by constructing apartments is welcome, but called out authorities for conducting the demolition at night.

“However, the manner in which the demolitions were conducted in the middle of the night was inhumane and shocking,” Nyong’o said in a statement seen by Nairobi Review.

The demolitions were conducted on Monday night, so as to create space for the County of Nairobi to build high-density residences.

“The better procedure would have been to develop a high-density housing unit elsewhere and facilitate the transfer of Woodley residents there in a humane and well-organised manner,” added the second term governor.

“To go out at night and bring down the houses is a colonial approach that should not happen in Kenya today. Woodley demolition is a clear breach of Article 43(1)(b) of the Constitution of Kenya, and the UN guidelines on involuntary resettlement.”

It should be noted, Nyong’o stated, that Woodley Estate has been home to many Kenyans one of whom is the Kapenguria 6 freedom fighter Ramogi Achieng' Oneko.

“Woodley was also home to Barack Obama Snr- the father of former US President Barack Obama,” he said.

The statement came hours after Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja assured the 43 tenants of Woodley Estate who vacated their properties to make way for a modern housing project, that they will reclaim their homes upon the project’s completion.

He confirmed that the 10-acre section of land, part of a larger 100-acre parcel, will be transformed into a modern residential estate accommodating 1,975 housing units.

The governor revealed that all affected homeowners were issued allotment letters, guaranteeing them ownership of units in the upgraded estate.

“The allotment letters confirm their status as homeowners once the project is complete. From 43 units, we are expanding to 1,975 units, creating room for more tenants in a serene and modern environment,” he explained.

“Imagine a landlord giving you money to pay rent elsewhere, and later inviting you to return to newer, better houses. This is exactly what we are doing.”

The proposed 300 Woodley Village Estate will include a swimming pool, playground, and a shopping centre, among other amenities.