Babu Owino Criticises Government For Demolishing Homes In Embakasi: "My People Are Suffering"

• On Tuesday, September 24, bulldozers brought down three-storeys and several shanties in the Mradi area in Embakasi East constituency
• A woman lamented sleeping in the cold with her young children, stating that she did not have money for food or relocation
• MP Babu Owino condemned the government for carrying out the operation while at the same time constructing affordable housing

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

Embakasi, Nairobi - Over 200 residents in the Mradi area of Embakasi East have been left homeless after bulldozers descended on their homes on Tuesday, September 24.

One resident shared her distress, stating that although they had received an eviction notice, they were not prepared for such a sudden and harsh action from the landowner.

"My children were affected when an oil tanker exploded in this area. They took time to heal. Yes, we received a notice about this eviction, but we didn’t expect it to happen this soon. We managed to salvage some belongings but had to sleep outside in the cold.

My children haven’t eaten, and they are struggling with the dust. I don’t have money for rent, food, or even to leave this place. I’m pleading for government assistance," she said, visibly emotional.

The demolition involved three-storey buildings and several shanties.

Babu Owino reacts after Embakasi East demolition

In response, local Member of Parliament, Babu Owino expressed deep concern for the families left without shelter.

"My people have been left homeless and it pains me to see children, women and men lose their homes. Sad indeed," said Babu.

He criticised the government for executing such demolitions while simultaneously promoting affordable housing initiatives.

"It’s so sad for the government to allow the demolition of houses at Mradi in Embakasi East yet at the same time they are promoting the construction of affordable housing," he added.

This incident follows a tragic LPG tanker explosion in the same area just eight months ago, which resulted in six fatalities and the destruction of many homes.

Kayole woman painfully watches house being demolished

In other news, a Kayole woman was heartbroken after her house built by a river bank was demolished.

The woman lamented that she had not been informed about the demolitions and, therefore, could not transfer her belongings to a safer place.

From a distance, an emotional boy, visibly deep in thought, watched helplessly as their house was reduced to nothing.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.