Lang’ata MP Leads Residents in Protest Against Planned Nairobi Evictions
Lang’ata Member of Parliament Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, on Thursday spearheaded a protest march by residents of Soweto Zone B to the Ministry of Housing, demanding a halt to planned evictions under the government’s Affordable Housing Project.
Accompanied by Nyayo Highrise MCA Kennedy Oyugi, Jalang’o delivered a petition to ministry officials on behalf of the community, highlighting concerns over relocation procedures, compensation, and alleged gaps in public participation.
“The residents were neither adequately consulted nor informed about the timelines for eviction, despite the project requiring them to vacate their homes,” Jalang’o said. “Today, together with the MCA for Nyayo Highrise, we led residents of Soweto Zone B to the Ministry of Housing to present a petition outlining their concerns before relocation for the Affordable Housing Project.”
Residents who joined the march expressed support for development initiatives but insisted that government projects must be implemented with transparency, fairness, and proper engagement of affected communities.
Carrying placards, whistles, and twigs, the demonstrators marched to Ardhi House along Ngong Road in Upper Hill, where they were received by ministry officials and briefed on their petition.
Following the engagement, Jalang’o confirmed that an agreement had been reached to suspend the planned evictions until proper public participation was conducted and all concerns raised by the residents were addressed.
“We agreed that the planned eviction will be halted until proper public participation is conducted and all the issues raised by residents are fully addressed,” Jalang’o said.
The protests come amid ongoing uncertainty for hundreds of families in Nairobi’s Makadara Estate, who face displacement under the Affordable Housing Project. Makongeni Estate, home to an estimated 40,000 residents, was earmarked for redevelopment, with notices to vacate issued alongside promises of relocation assistance. However, many households reported that compensation had not been provided.
In a related development, the Environment and Land Court issued temporary conservatory orders on November 24, halting evictions and demolitions at Makongeni. Despite the court ruling, government-led demolitions reportedly continued, exacerbating tensions among affected residents.
The Ministry of Housing has yet to comment on the Soweto Zone B petition and the wider implications for the Affordable Housing Project, which remains a cornerstone of the government’s efforts to address Nairobi’s housing deficit.
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Lang’ata MP Leads Residents in Protest Against Planned Nairobi Evictions