Over the years, the government has conducted demolition in various places perceived to have encroached on public land, to create space for development projects or just the reclaim the land.
While demolition mostly affects the common mwananchi, there are instances where prominent people have also counted losses as a result of the exercise.
In this article, we outline some of the prominent people whose multi-million properties have been demolished
Ambassador Amina Mohammed's Home Demolished
Former Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed's home in Milimani area, Kakamega County was among the houses demolished in January 2024 to make room for affordable housing projects in the County.
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In a video seen by NairobiLeo on Wednesday, January 10, locals scrambled for materials from the former CS's home after it was demolished.
Ferdinand Iveli, a Kakamega resident, told the media he was shocked to see Amina’s home being demolished, but noted that the affordable housing project would benefit more people in the county.
"I woke up in the morning and was surprised to see what was happening, but on the other hand, I am happy because we are looking for work. There are no jobs, and we have education. At least, we won't go to bed hungry because we have found something,” Iveli stated.
He added, "If you look at this land, it is as big as three hectares, and one person lives here. The government can build here, and at least, we can benefit from it. I am grateful to the government for the work it is doing.”
Margaret Wanjiru Church partially Demolished
In March 2024, a section of Bishop Margaret Wanjiru's Jesus is Alive Ministries church along Haile Selassie Avenue, Nairobi was partially demolished by persons allegedly sent by the Kenya Railways Corporation.
Wanjiru and Kenya Railways have been involved in a tussle over the ownership of the parcel of land where the church sits.
The former Nairobi senatorial hopeful blamed the demolition on Kenya Railways and claimed that she and other members of her church were injured during the fracas and their phones snatched.
"We have been attacked severely today. I am injured in the arm and leg, and many of my people are bleeding. These individuals who attacked us today have been sent by Kenya Railways, and I want to state categorically that Weruga Lane does not belong to Railways. This is our property and investment. This is the property of the church and some of my other members,” said Wanjiru.
Juliani's Dandora HipHop City Demolished
Kenyan musician Julius Owino alias Juliani's Dandoare HipHop City (DHC) establishment was demolished in May 2024 as part of an exercise to reclaim riparian land in Nairobi county.
DHC housed several projects in Dandora, that aimed at improving the lives of residents in the area by offering employment and nurturing talents in different fields.
The exercise came after a presidential order issued on April 30 that directed for the demolition of buildings in riparian areas.
File image of the demolition of Juliani's Dandora HipHop City. [Photo: Courtesy]
"Most of you have seen what has happened in Dandora and of course the building has been demolished but we shall rise again and we will build again. For now, we just want to chill and take it in but we shall talk soon.
“Nashukuru sana for your words of encouragement. It goes a long way. We've lost the building, but the vision is still alive. DHC team is working on the way forward. The heartwarming messages from the community the space served imesaidia zaidi,” he said in a video on his Facebook page.
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