Police Clarify Kayole Demolitions At Nyama Villa
From Monday, December 16, several families were left without homes after excavators had brought down several structures which included storey buildings.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
The National Police Service (NPS) has issued a statement clarifying the demolitions in the Nyama Villa estate in Kayole which have been attracting widespread criticism from members of the public, mostly towards the government.
From Monday, December 16, several families were left without homes after excavators had brought down several structures which included storey buildings.
NPS in a statement revealed that the case, which is being heard at the Environment and Lands Court, dates back to 2013. The plaintiff in this case is a private company that dragged more than 20 individuals to court over the occupation of the contentious piece of land.
"The matter in question regards Muthithi Investment Land LR. No 23917 Nairobi, and Court Order ELC Suit No. 457 of 2013 issued by Hon. Justice Mutungi of the Environmental and Land Court of Milimani," Police spokesperson Resila Onyango stated in part.
"The matter involved Muthithi Investment Limited (plaintiff) versus Andrew Kyendo 1st defendant, Amina Mohamed 2nd defendant, William Mwangangi 3rd defendant and 19 others, as well as Peter Maina Muchuku and Sylvester Oduor as the Interested Parties. Notably, this is a private matter that has been in court for several years."
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja addressing the media on July 23, 2024. /NATIONAL POLICE SERVICE
NPS went on to state that the order dated May 13, 2013, required the defendants, their agents and or their servants who had defaulted to vacate the suit property, failure of which the individuals and structures be removed from the suit property.
Onyango added that the mentioned area initially had 304 plots occupied and the said owners were served with notice to vacate the land due to their failure to comply with the Court Order.
"However, most plot owners made their payments and were issued with land ownership documents, while a few others were affected by the Court Order. After following all the due processes, the evictions were carried out in broad daylight from December 16 and is ending today December 18, 2024," added the statement.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has issued urgent demands to the government following the ongoing unlawful demolitions and evictions which have left hundreds of families homeless and exposed to severe hardship.
The commission is calling for immediate action to address what it termed as violations of both Kenyan law and international human rights standards. According to KHRC, the demolitions, which began on December 16, 2024, continue despite a court order issued on the same day barring any further evictions or demolitions until legal proceedings are concluded.
KHRC stated that its fact-finding mission on December 18, 2024, revealed that the evictions are being carried out with the active involvement of state actors, including the police and Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) personnel, in complicity with a private entity.
“These unlawful actions are a direct violation of both the Constitution and international law, particularly the right to adequate housing,” KHRC said in a statement on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.
The commission also condemned the use of excessive force, coercive agreements forcing residents to pay bribes to save their homes, and the overall disregard for legal procedures during the demolitions.
In light of these violations, KHRC called for the immediate cessation of all demolitions in Nyama Villa and for the government to enforce the court order issued on December 16, 2024. “The government must respect the rule of law and put an end to the destruction of homes,” KHRC said.
The commission also demanded accountability for police officers and other state actors involved in facilitating what it termed as unlawful demolitions. Specifically, KHRC is calling for the Inspector General of Police, Nairobi County Police Commander, Sub-County Commander in Embakasi, and the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Kayole Police Station to be held responsible for their complicity in the evictions.
KHRC further insisted that the government provide immediate restitution and compensation to the families displaced by the demolitions, adding that these families, already subjected to immense trauma, must be adequately compensated for the loss of their homes and property.
The commission is additionally calling for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the role of private entities in the demolitions. “There must be full accountability for the private company behind these actions, which have been carried out without legal title to the land,” KHRC stated.
KHRC has also called on the government to urgently implement systemic reforms to protect housing rights. This includes fully enacting the Evictions and Resettlement Procedures Bill to ensure that all future evictions and demolitions are carried out per the law and international standards.
“These actions represent a disturbing trend of impunity in the misuse of state resources and a disregard for citizens’ rights,” KHRC concluded.
The commission has vowed to take legal action if the government fails to address its demands regarding the Nyama Villa evictions, even as the government distanced itself from the controversial demolitions through a statement by spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, who urged all parties involved to prioritize open dialogue.
