By Shadrack Nyakoe
The ODM party has strongly criticized the Monday night demolitions of residential houses in Woodley Estate, Nairobi, carried out by the county government to pave the way for high-density housing developments. Kisumu Governor and acting ODM Party Leader, Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, has condemned the evictions as inhumane and unconstitutional.
Nyong’o described the nighttime demolitions as a “colonial approach” that has no place in modern Kenya.
He argued that the process disregarded Article 43(1)(b) of the Kenyan Constitution, which guarantees the right to accessible and adequate housing, as well as UN guidelines on involuntary resettlement.
While supporting the idea of utilizing the land at Woodley to create more housing, Nyong’o emphasized that the process should have been handled with dignity and consideration for the affected residents.
“A better approach would have been to construct high-density housing units elsewhere and facilitate the orderly transfer of Woodley residents to these new homes,” he said.
The historic Woodley Estate has housed notable figures in Kenya’s history, including Kapenguria Six freedom fighter Ramogi Achieng’ Oneko and Barack Obama Sr., father of former U.S. President Barack Obama.
Other prominent residents have included Argwings Kodhek, Odinge Odera (speechwriter for Jaramogi Oginga Odinga), broadcaster Sammy Lui, and politician Mulu Mutisya.
The demolitions have drawn widespread criticism, with many calling for a more humane and transparent approach to urban redevelopment.
The ODM party has urged the Nairobi County Government to exercise compassion and adhere to the rule of law in serving its residents.
“We appeal to the county government not to act like Pharisees in the execution of the law but to serve Kenyans with humanity and respect,” Nyong’o stated.
The demolitions have left many families displaced, sparking outrage and calls for accountability from civil society and political leaders alike.