By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, May 03, 2026 - Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has defended the ongoing demolition of structures built on riparian land, saying years of illegal construction and poor planning are worsening floods and putting lives at risk.
Speaking during a church service at PCEA Evergreen Parish in Westlands, Sakaja warned that county officials who approved developments on waterways and flood-prone land will also face accountability.
“Many people are currently losing parts of their property after receiving approvals and building on riparian land and floodplains,” Sakaja said.
“Whether this happened years ago or recently, planners and surveyors are expected to adhere to development regulations.”
His remarks come as Nairobi continues to experience heavy rains that have left several estates flooded, displaced families and disrupted transport across the city.
According to the governor, reclaiming blocked waterways has now become necessary to prevent more destruction and deaths during the rainy season.
“People must take responsibility. You cannot block waterways and then complain about floods,” he said.
Sakaja revealed that demolition and recovery operations are ongoing in several parts of the city, including Kirichwa Kubwa in Kilimani, where structures built on riparian reserves are being removed.
“The work to reclaim riparian land is ongoing at high speed. We are recovering many areas, and as the rains continue, more structures built on riparian land are being identified and removed,” he added.
He insisted that no one would be spared in the crackdown, regardless of status or location.
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The governor also appealed to residents living in dangerous flood-prone areas to relocate before more lives are lost.
“In places like Grogan, we are losing lives. This should not be happening. People cannot continue living in dangerous zones. This is not about politics, it is about safety and saving lives,” Sakaja said.
At the same time, he cautioned politicians against using the demolitions for political gain, insisting the county’s focus is on protecting residents and restoring order in the city.
Sakaja further called for calm amid rising political tensions, urging leaders to embrace peaceful engagement.
“We need peace, stability, and tolerance. Violence is not the answer,” he said.
“In a democracy, we may disagree, but we must respect each other’s right to be heard.”
The demolitions come as the Kenya Meteorological Service continues to warn of heavy rainfall in Nairobi and several other counties, with authorities fearing more flooding if blocked drainage systems are not cleared.