NAIROBI, Kenya — Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja came under pressure before the Senate Justice, Legal Affairs, and Human Rights Committee over controversial evictions at Old Ngara Estate, with senators demanding investigations into claims that county officials may be involved in the illegal repossession and reallocation of housing units.
The session at Parliament Buildings examined allegations of unlawful evictions, disputed rent accounts, and claims that some Nairobi City County Government officials could have personal interests in the contested properties.
Lawmakers questioned why some tenants with valid payment records were allegedly evicted despite evidence showing compliance with rent obligations.
Sakaja, who appeared before the committee after missing two earlier invitations and a final summons, attributed his absence to a communication breakdown rather than disregard for the Senate.
The governor defended the county’s enforcement measures, arguing that persistent rent defaults had denied the county billions of shillings in revenue.
“Tenants must meet their obligations. Impunity in rent payment has denied the county billions in revenue, a persistent audit query my administration cannot condone,” Sakaja told the committee.
However, senators intensified scrutiny over claims that some county officials may have manipulated the eviction process for personal gain.
Committee chairperson Veronica Maina called for transparency and accountability, saying vulnerable tenants deserved protection and answers from the county administration.
“Governor, this committee is glad you are finally here. The residents of Old Ngara deserve answers on the evictions, on the accounts, and on how the county intends to treat its most vulnerable tenants going forward,” she said.
Daniel Maanzo urged Sakaja to investigate county staff suspected of benefiting from the disputed housing allocations.
“We need you to investigate your own staff. There is credible concern that some officers have vested interests in these properties. That would explain why tenants with proof of payment are still being evicted. This committee wants accountability,” Maanzo said.
In response, Sakaja pledged a full reconciliation of tenant accounts and announced the establishment of a reporting desk at City Hall and within estate offices to handle tenant complaints and disputes.
The Senate committee maintained that tenants found to have been unlawfully evicted should receive restitution and compensation.
“Governor, we expect full reconciliation of these accounts. And where tenants were evicted illegally, restitution must follow. No one should lose their home unlawfully and walk away without remedy,” Senator Maina said.
