The High Court has ordered the Kenyan government to compensate residents of Mathare, Gwa Kairu, Mukuru Kwa Ruben, and Kiamaiko who were forcibly evicted for allegedly building on riparian land. In a ruling by Justice Mogeni, the court emphasized that the evictees deserve fair and just compensation for the loss of their homes, personal property, and other assets.
Residents had challenged the evictions, arguing that the government failed to provide alternative housing, leaving many homeless and vulnerable to severe weather conditions. Justice Mogeni criticized the manner of eviction, likening the treatment of residents to being “treated like garbage” and stating that the government must treat citizens with respect and dignity.
The judge pointed out that, while Kenya lacks specific eviction laws, it is bound by international conventions on humane evictions. The court ordered a joint team of evictees and government representatives to assess general damages within 120 days of the ruling, with compensation to be paid within 60 days after the assessment, and a report on the payments filed in court.
Justice Mogeni condemned the lack of adequate notice in the evictions, asserting that it led to unjustifiable mental and physical suffering for the affected residents.
