Tension is mounting in Woodley Estate as residents accuse the Nairobi County Government of enabling violent evictions, despite existing court orders barring any removals from the contested houses.
In a strongly worded letter dated July 10, 2025, tenants—through their legal representatives, Frank Karanja & Company Advocates—petitioned Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Seda for immediate intervention.
The letter alleges that goons, allegedly working in tandem with county officials, have been breaking into homes, stealing property, and threatening tenants in defiance of multiple High Court directives.
“Our clients are the lawful tenants of County houses situated in the Woodley/Joseph Kang’ethe Estate, Nairobi. Many have been residents for decades, some even being tenant-purchasers of the homes they occupy,” the letter reads.
The dispute stems from early 2025 after the County Government flagged rent arrears. However, the residents argue the arrears were waived through Gazette Notice No. 2728 Vol. CXXIII-No. 5, which remains legally binding. Through a court case—Judicial Review No. E030 of 2025—residents are seeking the implementation of the Gazette Notice and an account reconciliation.
Despite these efforts, residents say eviction attempts have continued, often violently, and in direct contempt of court orders. “Our clients have reported multiple incidents, orchestrated by the County, in which county-enabled goons have forcibly entered their residences, leading to massive theft and destruction of property,” the lawyers claimed.
They have since filed an application for contempt of court against County Chief Officer for Housing and Urban Renewal, Lydia Mathia, accusing her of defying court orders and facilitating unlawful activities.
The court is expected to deliver a ruling on the matter in October.
Meanwhile, the situation on the ground remains volatile. Residents say unidentified individuals claiming to have been recently allocated the homes have been making aggressive and unlawful eviction attempts. “Our clients continue to endure significant hardship, including recurrent theft and threats,” the letter states.
The incidents have been reported at Kibera Police Station. While residents commended the officers there for their professionalism under pressure, they appealed for increased resources and quicker response times.
“We urge your office to bolster support for the station to enable effective investigation and response to these escalating threats,” the letter concludes.
