KDF Deployed To Mombasa City
This marks the second ever instance that the military has been deployed to civilian streets.
Marvin Chege 
Defence Cabinet Secretary (CS) Soipan Tuya has gazetted the deployment of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to Mombasa City.
This marks the second ever instance that the military has been deployed to civilian streets. Tuya's predecessor, Aden Duale, had gazetted military deployment to support the National Police Service (NPS) in restoring normalcy in the country at the height of the Gen Z-led protests on June 25, 2024.
In the gazette notice, though, dated April 7, the CS explained that the deployment was to assist the Ministry of Defence and the Mombasa County Government in the emergency response to an eleven-storey building that began sinking.
The building, which began sinking on April 2, poses a significant danger to the residents of Mombasa County.
Soipan Tuya during her vetting as Defence CS Nominee on August 1, 2024. /NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
“Pursuant to Article 241 (3) (h) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, read with sections 31 (1) (a), (c) and 34 (2) of the Kenya Defence Forces Act, notice is given that on the 7th April, 2025, the Kenya Defence Forces was deployed to assist the Ministry of Interior and National Administration and the County Government of Mombasa in the emergency response towards an eleven Storey building situated at Kilifi Comer, Fayaz Estate along Abdel Nasser Road, Mombasa County, that begun sinking on 2nd April, 2025, endangering adjacent residential and commercial buildings,” read the notice in part.
Tuya: KDF Deployment Still Active Amid Ongoing Court Case
In March, Cabinet Secretary Tuya confirmed that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) deployment order issued in June 2024 is still in effect. She explained that the directive hasn't been revoked due to an ongoing court case challenging the move.
Speaking before the Senate, Tuya defended the deployment, describing it as a necessary step to assist the National Police Service in restoring order during the nationwide protests.
"On whether the deployment has been revoked. No, the deployment has not been revoked. There is a matter actively in court, but I would also want us to again remember that the deployment of June 25th is in support of the National Police Service, just like the other secondary operations that are within the country," Tuya said.
Her remarks highlighted President William Ruto’s constitutional authority, as commander-in-chief, to authorize military deployment during times of civil unrest, such as the recent Gen Z-led protests.
Tuya also emphasized that military involvement is carefully regulated and not done at random. She pointed out that each deployment is governed by gazette notices that clearly define its scope, duration, and the operational boundaries of KDF’s role.
Mombasa Governor Unveils Key Safety Measures Ahead of Building Demolition
Meanwhile, the building, located off Abdel Nasser Road, was revealed to be suffering from structural integrity issues. Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff, in a statement issued on Tuesday, April 8, outlined critical safety and logistical plans ahead of the planned demolition set for 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 9.
- Patient Relocation: Of the 504 patients at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, 380 are scheduled for discharge, while the remaining 124—including eight in the ICU—will be relocated to Utange and Port Reitz Hospitals. Ambulances from the County Government, the Kenya Red Cross, and Kthe enya Navy have been mobilized to facilitate the transfers.
- Mandatory Evacuation Zone: A 1.2-kilometre radius around the demolition site has been declared an evacuation zone. This includes areas such as Digo Road, Hospital Road, Jomo Kenyatta Avenue, Mwembe Tayari, and parts of Ronald Ngala Road. Beach Management Units have also been directed to clear nearby waters to ensure safety.
- Security Measures: The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) will control the inner perimeter of the evacuation zone, while the National Police Service and County Inspectorate will manage the outer areas. Traders within the affected zone have been ordered to vacate the area by 2:00 p.m. today.
- Traffic and Public Advisory: Nyali Bridge will be temporarily closed to all traffic one hour before the demolition begins. Residents and commuters are urged to adjust their travel plans to avoid delays. Additionally, all County emergency response staff currently on leave have been recalled to boost manpower during the operation.
- Community Sensitization: Local administrators and community health promoters have been tasked with educating nearby households on evacuation protocols and safety precautions to ensure full compliance.
- Emergency Response and Recovery Plan: Port Reitz Hospital has been designated as the main emergency response center. Debris removal and restoration work at the site will begin once military personnel declare the area safe for access.
