NAIROBI, Kenya – Tensions ran high in Baba Dogo on Friday after police officers forcibly evicted dozens of residents from a contested piece of land, sparking running battles as families scrambled to rescue belongings from demolished shelters.
The early morning eviction unfolded at the Baba Dogo playground, where residents claim a private developer is attempting to seize public land under the guise of legal enforcement.
Police, however, maintained they were acting on a valid court order instructing occupants to vacate the area.
Several residents accused the police of using excessive force, including firing tear gas, as they attempted to salvage what remained of their homes.
Among the demolished structures was Glorius Junior Centre, a community school that was flattened without warning.
“This morning, we found the school demolished. We were given no notice,” said Beatrice Auma, the school’s director. “We had to evacuate the children because the police were throwing teargas. We feel exposed and helpless.”
Local leaders have echoed the residents’ concerns, calling the eviction suspicious and hinting at a broader scheme to take over the land.
“It seems like someone has taken over this playground and is using the police to demolish the structures at the front to gain access,” said Baba Dogo MCA Geophry Majiwa. “This demolition shows they are targeting the field.”
Residents have vowed to move to court to challenge the evictions and seek an injunction to halt any development on the disputed land until the matter is resolved.
By Friday afternoon, the playground remained under tight police watch as families picked through debris, unsure of where to go next.
Calls for intervention from Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja grew louder, with community leaders urging the county to protect what they say is public land under siege.
