NAIROBI, Kenya — Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has urged political leaders to lower tensions as Nairobi County intensifies demolition of illegal structures built on riparian land to address a worsening flood crisis.
Speaking on Sunday, May 3, Sakaja said the county government had accelerated operations to reclaim encroached waterways, warning that no individual or institution would be spared in the ongoing enforcement drive.
“The work to reclaim riparian land is ongoing at high speed. We are recovering many areas, and as the rains continue, more structures built on riparian land are being identified and removed. This exercise is ongoing, and no one is being exempted,” he said.
The governor cited Kilimani’s Kirichwa Kubwa as one of the latest areas targeted in the crackdown, as authorities move to restore natural drainage systems blocked by unregulated developments.
Sakaja linked the demolitions directly to the city’s recurrent flooding, arguing that years of poor urban planning and illegal construction along waterways have worsened the impact of heavy rains.
“We are facing serious flood challenges, not just in Nairobi but across the country, including the Tana River. People must take responsibility. You cannot block waterways and then complain about floods,” he said.
He pointed to national-level interventions, including the partial removal of a perimeter wall at State House, Nairobi, to allow water to flow naturally, as evidence of coordinated efforts to address the crisis.
At the same time, Governor Sakaja signaled a shift toward accountability, stating that public officials who approved developments on riparian reserves and flood-prone zones would face scrutiny.
“Many people are currently losing parts of their property after receiving approvals and building on riparian land and floodplains. Whether this happened years ago or recently, planners and surveyors are expected to adhere to development regulations,” he added.
The governor also urged residents living in high-risk zones to relocate voluntarily, warning that continued occupation of such areas poses a direct threat to life.
“In places like Grogan, we are losing lives. This should not be happening. People cannot continue living in dangerous zones. This is not about politics; it is about safety and saving lives,” he said.
His remarks come amid rising political tensions in the country, with Sakaja calling for restraint and respect among leaders and supporters.
“We need peace, stability, and tolerance. Violence is not the answer. As leaders, we must continue lowering political tensions and promoting unity. In a democracy, we may disagree, but we must respect each other’s right to be heard,” he noted.
Meanwhile, the National Police Service (NPS) has confirmed at least 18 deaths linked to mudslides and flooding across several counties as heavy rains persist.
In a statement issued Sunday, police warned that the risk of disasters remains high, particularly in vulnerable regions.
“Recent reports indicate that mudslides have occurred in Tharaka Nithi, Elgeyo-Marakwet, and Kiambu Counties, severely affecting multiple families, displacing households, and causing significant damage to property and infrastructure,” the statement read.
The NPS said multi-agency teams are currently engaged in search and rescue operations, evacuation of residents in high-risk zones, and distribution of emergency supplies.
“As the country continues to experience sustained and heavy rainfall, the National Police Service continues to call for heightened caution amid increasing disaster risks in several regions,” it added.
