‘Si mungengoja ata wakule Christmas’ – Gachagua Reacts to Nyama Villa Demolitions

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has condemned the recent demolitions of houses in Nyama Villa Estate, Kayole, Nairobi County, labeling the move as ill-timed and inhumane.

Speaking at a burial in Mbooni Constituency, Makueni County, on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, Gachagua expressed his disappointment, stating that the demolitions could have been postponed until after the Christmas festivities.

“The demolitions left families stranded and devastated, with women weeping helplessly as bulldozers tore down their homes,” Gachagua remarked, describing the scenes as heartbreaking.

Gachagua criticized the government for overseeing demolitions despite his earlier pre-election promise with President William Ruto to avoid such actions.

“Wamebomolea maskini manyumba sasa watakaa nje. Hii maneno ya kubomolea maskini nyumba yao tumeona pale Nairobi wakina mama wanalia hawana mahali pa kukaa wakati wa Christmas. Si mungengoja ata wakule Christmas kama lazima mubomoe mukuje mwaka ujao (They have demolished houses for the poor, leaving them outside. Women are crying because they have nowhere to stay during Christmas. They could have waited until after Christmas if demolitions were necessary),” Gachagua stated.

He further urged authorities to show compassion to ordinary Kenyans, saying, “Na hii ni mambo tulikuwa tumesema kwa serikali yetu, mambo ya kubomolea watu hatufanyi. Kwa hivyo tunaomba tafadhali, tukuwe na huruma kwa watu maskini na Wakenya wa kawaida, tusiwahangaishe, tuwapatie nafasi pia waishi kama Wakenya (We had promised not to carry out demolitions. We request that we show pity to the poor and ordinary Kenyans. Let us not make their lives harder but allow them to live with dignity).”

Hours after Gachagua’s remarks, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura clarified that the national government was not involved in the demolitions.

“It is important to clarify that the government is not involved in the demolitions in any manner. The situation stems from a longstanding land dispute,” Mwaura stated on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.

According to the spokesperson, the matter has been in court for years, with residents failing to honor an out-of-court agreement. He added that new court orders had recently been issued, prompting the demolitions.

Mwaura also noted that some residents had complied with the orders and were therefore not affected.

Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino joined Gachagua in condemning the demolitions, arguing that the exercise had rendered hundreds homeless during the festive season.

The demolitions in Nyama Villa Estate have sparked public outrage, with calls for a more humane approach to resolving land disputes and safeguarding the rights of vulnerable families.

Article By Suzy Nyongesa.