More Than 800 Residents Left Homeless in Dawn Demolition at Changamwe Estate

More than three decades of memories lay in the mattresses, cooking pots, school uniforms and family photographs that Changamwe residents rushed to rescue before dawn on Sunday, as police escorted an excavator through the National Housing Estate to demolish 170 houses.

Within hours, more than 800 residents had been left homeless. Parents hurried to carry children and household belongings to safety while neighbours searched through the debris for anything they could save before walls and rooftops collapsed.

Anti-riot police fired teargas to disperse residents and local leaders who protested the demolition, leaving many families watching helplessly as the homes they had occupied for decades were reduced to rubble.

Families Left Homeless as Demolition Begins Before Dawn

Many residents said they woke to the sound of police vehicles surrounding the estate before an excavator began tearing through the houses. Some managed to salvage a few belongings, while others lost furniture, clothing and household items in the demolition.

Changamwe MP Omar Mwinyi said many of the affected residents had lived in the estate for more than 30 years and accused county housing officials of proceeding without consulting local leaders or conducting public participation.

“We wanted negotiations with them but they refused. We went to the court twice and we got injunction orders,” said Mwinyi.

The legislator said the demolition had thrown families into uncertainty, especially those with children attending nearby schools.

He warned that the abrupt displacement could disrupt learning and affect candidates preparing for national examinations.

Mwinyi also criticised relocation payments of between Sh4,000 and Sh10,000 that were reportedly issued to 34 tenants a day before the demolition, describing the amounts as inadequate for families forced to start over.

Tenant association chairman Meshack Okeyo said residents support the government’s plans to redevelop the estate but object to the manner in which the eviction was carried out.

“We support government projects but any eviction must be done in a humane way. This action should be called off to allow for discussions. We don’t want anyone to be hurt,” he said.

Leaders Question Demolition Despite Court Order

Mombasa Senator Mohamed Faki questioned why the demolition proceeded despite what he said was a valid court order barring the eviction.

“If National Housing is above the law, we should be told. If the Police are above the law, we should also be told because it is not possible for a court order to be disregarded,” he said.

Faki urged the authorities to engage residents and local leaders to find an amicable solution instead of carrying out a forced eviction.

Resident Dominic Mariga called on the government to investigate officials he accused of exceeding their authority during the exercise.