Heavy Police Presence in Mukuru Kwa Njenga Sparks Fears of Illegal Evictions

Tension is rising in Mukuru Kwa Njenga as a heavy contingent of masked and hooded police officers deployed at Villa Police Station on Tuesday, January 20, 2025, signaling an imminent wave of forced evictions.

The deployment comes despite a subsisting court order explicitly barring any such evictions or demolitions in the area.

Witnesses report a high number of officers in tactical gear, raising concerns among residents and human rights defenders about an impending violation of the law.

“A heavy contingent of masked and hooded police has been deployed at Villa Police Station to facilitate forced evictions in Mukuru Kwa Njenga, despite the existence of a valid court order stopping any such actions,” Mukuru Community Justice Centre wrote on a post.

By proceeding with eviction preparations in the face of a valid court injunction, security agencies are being accused of undermining the foundations of constitutionalism and the rule of law.

"Court orders are not suggestions; they are the law. This action undermines justice and the very rights these agencies are sworn to protect," said a representative monitoring the situation.

A Call to Action

Civil society groups and residents are calling for the immediate withdrawal of the forces and full compliance with the existing court order.

There are further demands for an investigation into the chain of command that authorized the deployment, seeking accountability for those attempting to bypass legal protections.

As the situation develops, all eyes remain on the Ministry of Interior and the National Police Service to see if they will uphold the legal rights of the Mukuru residents or proceed with the contested operation.

“We strongly condemn this action and call for immediate compliance with the court order and accountability for those involved,” Mukuru Community Justice Centre wrote on a post.