Deaths during evictions reflect policy failure and poor moral judgment

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua accesses the extent of demolition of the families who were forcefully evicted in Kiriko, Nakuru County, last week. [DPCS]

On May 6, Mathare North residents watched helplessly as a bulldozer crushed to death a 17-year-old boy who was trying to recover any possessions as their house was being demolished following the government's evacuation orders to those living near Nairobi's river banks to avert more flood-related deaths.

It was a tragedy that could have been avoided. Eyewitnesses said residents pleaded with the bulldozer operators and the police officers who had accompanied them not to demolish the houses as there were people inside, but their pleas fell on deaf ears.