Mathare: Riparian land evictees cry foul, ask for government support

Hundreds of families rendered homeless after local authorities brought down houses built on riparian land in Nairobi's slum areas in April are crying foul.

Among those affected was Gladys Wanjiku Maina, who decries unfair treatment after her residence was crashed to the ground in the recent Mathare demolitions.

The 81-year-old granny was left homeless as the place she once called home for more than 50 years was demolished. 

According to the government, the exercise was conducted in order to save lives, especially during heavy rains as the areas are flood-prone.

Hailing from Mathioya in Murang'a County, Gladys Wanjiku Maina and her late husband settled in Mathare in 1970. 

“We had moved from Murang'a because of land disputes. My father was detained by the colonial masters in the struggle for independence. My elder brothers were among Mau Mau fighters and I remember taking food for them in Kiamuturi in Nyandarua," Wanjiku painfully lamented.

The aftermath of Mathare demolitions extends beyond what meets the eye. The reality of losing her properties dealt Wanjiku a heavy blow. The senior citizen is now under the care of her first born daughter, who born in 1963. 

"They destroyed everything, my bed and four cooking pots. I'm only left with one pot. I ask the authorities to come and make peace with me,” Wanjiku said as she called on the government relocate her.

Wanjiku says that her most memorable moment was when she was honoured as a national heroine by the former government during the Mashujaa Day celebrations held in Kirinyaga in 2021.

Three years later, Wanjiku has no option other than braving the harsh weather conditions in the informal settlement, hoping that the sun will shine again.