Families in Garissa have become homeless following the demolition of houses in the Public Works area during an early morning operation on Monday, May 25, to make way for the government’s Affordable Housing Project.
Reports indicate that the demolitions commenced at approximately 5am on Monday, May 25, with security personnel strictly enforcing the operation after the expiration of an eviction notice period issued by authorities.
Siadha Ahmed, one of the displaced residents, stated they were not granted sufficient time to secure their property before the demolitions commenced.
“They destroyed my belongings, beds, water tanks, charcoal and food. They didn’t even give me time to collect my things,” she explained.
Video footage shows excavators demolishing house structures throughout the morning, as residents sifted through the rubble to retrieve whatever possessions they could recover.
The operation has provoked anger among affected residents, who accuse local officials of utilizing the affordable housing initiative to facilitate land grabbing.
Swahib Ismail, another displaced individual, described the demolitions as unjust, alleging involvement by government officials.
“People have been evicted without any consideration. This is something the leaders have orchestrated to seize the land without regard for our rights,” he claimed.
Furthermore, residents asserted that the process was conducted without proper consideration of their rights, leaving them searching for shelter and uncertain about the status of their belongings.
The displaced residents have appealed to the government and President William Ruto to intervene and provide assistance.
According to official project information on the Boma Yangu website, the Garissa Public Works development is planned for Garissa Town and will feature 1,032 housing units across 13 residential blocks.
The demolitions represent one of several recent cases associated with the implementation of government development projects, including the March evictions at Gikomba Market.