The government, on Thursday, suspended all demolitions of properties in the country. In a statement issued by the Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua, no demolition activities would be conducted until further notice.
“It is notified for the general information of the public that the government has forthwith directed the immediate suspension of all demolitions of properties in all parts of the country until further notice,” the notice read in part.
Kinyua noted that a way forward would be issued following consultations with all relevant state agencies and stakeholders.
Here is the notice:
Earlier in the day, Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko stopped demolitions at Kayole area in Embakasi where he forced bulldozers hired by private developers out of a demolition site.
The County Head toured the area following pleas by evicted residents where he ordered all earthmovers out of the site.
“I don’t want to see the hired bulldozers on site until we resolve this matter. I know the courts approved the demolitions but on grounds of humanity, we cannot torture our fellow citizens especially during this festive season. This matter should be done in a humane way and in accordance with the law,” he stated.
Sonko issued the executive orders on Thursday morning after holding talks with President Uhuru Kenyatta who is out of the country.
Earlier in the day, Sonko met with families whose houses had been demolished at City Hall where he assured that the demolitions had been stopped including houses built on road reserves and those sitting on Kenya Power line reserves.