Nairobi: President William Ruto has directed the demolition of a section of the State House perimeter wall after it was found to encroach on riparian land near the Kirichwa Kubwa River. He announced the decision while addressing Nairobi County Assembly leaders on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
Ruto said a multi-agency team tasked with reclaiming riparian reserves had issued a notice indicating that the wall falls within the protected area.
Why did Ruto order demolition of State House wall?
He assured leaders that the directive would be implemented immediately, noting that at least 15 metres from the river’s high mark must be cleared.
“State House has received notice from the multi-Agency Team reclaiming riparian land that part of the State House boundary wall along the Kirichwa Kubwa River falls within the riparian reserve must be moved at least fifteen metres from the high-water mark. That wall will come down,” Ruto said.
Riparian reserves are protected zones along rivers and waterways where construction is restricted to prevent environmental degradation. The president linked illegal structures and encroachment in Nairobi to worsening flooding, emphasizing the need for compliance with regulations.
The move aligns with broader efforts by authorities, including Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, who recently ordered the demolition of illegal structures and
