In a fervent appeal to the Kenyan government, Martha Karua, the NARC Kenya party leader, has called on President William Ruto to take immediate action by providing free housing to the citizens devastated by the recent floods and demolitions. During a press conference held in Nairobi on the 8th of May, Karua articulated her stance, spotlighting the hardships faced by these Kenyans.
The recent weeks have seen a surge in chaos as President Ruto's April 30 directive took effect, aiming to clear riparian lands of settlements. This policy led to a series of demolitions that not only destroyed homes but also displaced many families. In a tragic incident amid these demolitions, a bulldozer killed a 17-year-old in Mathare North, sparking protests and public outcry against the harshness of the enforced evictions.
Following this, the government extended a promise of temporary shelters and a financial support of Ksh10,000 to each affected family, a sum Martha Karua deems grossly insufficient. The destruction wrought by natural floods has compounded these woes, leaving countless more without shelter or safety.
At the crux of Karua's demand is the proposal to utilize the existing inventory of government-built affordable housing — financed by the public's taxes — to provide permanent solutions for those displaced by both man-made and natural disasters. This suggestion highlights a potential utilization of national resources to address urgent social needs, aiming not just to restore but improve the living conditions of the affected citizens.
Riparian zones, which are essential for maintaining ecological balance, often become informal settlements due to their proximity to water sources.
The government's handling of this crisis has not been without controversy. The arrest of 26 individuals protesting the demolitions has drawn significant media attention and public sympathy, escalating the situation politically and socially. Karua, leveraging her position and public respect, has been vocal, pushing for a reconsideration of these policies and their human impact.
As this situation develops, all eyes will be on President Ruto's next moves. Will he heed Karua's call for a more compassionate approach, or will the tug-of-war over riparian lands and housing continue to disrupt lives? This remains a key issue at the heart of Kenya's socio-political landscape, with far-reaching implications for the government's public support and policy orientation in the days to come.
