The government has today suspended the ongoing demolitions after the uproar from the public and some of the political leaders.
In a press statement, it is indicated that the suspension is immediate and the government shall give guidance after consultations with all relevant state agencies and stakeholders
“It is notified for the General Information of the public that the government had forthwith directed the immediate suspension if all demolition properties in all parts of the country until further notice.” reads statement in part
Some of the political leaders who strongly opposed the manner in which the demolitions were conducted include Nairobi Women Rep Esther Passaris and Embakassi East MP Babu Owino.
The leaders had said that it was inhumane to leave families out in the cold. Many people were displaced and others left homeless after the recent demolitions which took place at Koma Rock and in Kayole.
The government had also made an announcement that 600 various residential and commercial buildings are set to be demolished in the coming days.
Babu Owino had yesterday made a special appeal to all parties, in the spirit of the Christmas season, to agree to resolve issues at the negotiation table as opposed to inhumane demolitions that leave children spending nights in the cold.
Babu Owino believes that the manner in which the demolitions were conducted is outdated and improper. He said that what happened 2,000 years ago in the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ who also spent Christmas Day outside in a manger should not be happening in this era.
“Let us not lose sight of the values that make us Kenyans, the values of Harambee which means “coming together.” I urge everybody to embrace dialogue and I offer myself to serve as an impartial mediator.” he said