PHOTOS: Huge fire as Rogue Police Burn Houses in Mathare Slums

Images are circulating on social media alleging that the national police service officers are beating people and burning houses in Mabatini Ward of Mathare slums, Nairobi.

The police set fire to several houses and two schools and are now stopping people from putting out the fire. pic.twitter.com/rkamjGduGN

— NaomivanStapele (@Naomi2908) April 3, 2019

The posts claims that police are burning houses and beating people in Mathare. The post also states that the violence against the people began on Sunday and has continued to date. Two private schools (Maji mazuri primary and Abandunt Life school) have also been burnt, .

@UhaiWetu update from Mathare. People are beyond angry. What will they eat? How will they work? How will they sleep? They ask. A state waging war on its citizens in plain view of the world. @NPSOfficial_KE @IPOA_KE @AmnestyKenya @shailjapatel @TheStarKenya @TheStarBreaking pic.twitter.com/903kM8ae69

— NaomivanStapele (@Naomi2908) April 3, 2019

The Police are also using teargas to keep away people who are trying to put out the fire.

“This morning police added teargas to their violent mix of guns and clubs, and now they set fire to people’s houses, knowing very well how destructive fire is mtaani where most houses, schools and places of work are constructed from highly flammable materials. The police set fire to several houses and two schools and are now stopping people from putting out the fire”, the posts said.

My friend's grandmother sells alcohol for a living in Mathare. Since last night, police are raiding bars, arresting and beating people, all because 'thieves hide there'. The police are destroying people's economy because of some customers? @NPSOfficial_KE @IPOA_KE @AmnestyKenya

— NaomivanStapele (@Naomi2908) April 1, 2019

‘Why are police burning houses in Mathare?’, Alamin Kimathi, the Human rights activist asked.

SCENES from Mabatini Ward in #Mathare area are just heartbreaking to say the least 😩💔! + My thoughts and prayers to those affected by the fire incidents, police brutality and all that transpired today and since Sunday. (Follow @Naomi2908 for more updates).| @BillianOjiwa

— Grayson Marwa (@GrayMarwa) April 3, 2019

The police should not be this careless since in such crowded areas, a fire can spread faster and burn many houses causing untold suffering to residents.