Agony as Ruiru families out in the cold following Railways quarters demolitions
Agony, pain and suffering have greeted more than 100 people living within the Ruiru Railways Estate in Kiambu County who were rendered homeless and left to spend out in the cold after they were violently evicted and their houses demolished.
The victims who have been renting the houses from the Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) said the demolition was carried out despite a court order and affects 25 families.
A bulldozer guarded by armed policemen pulled down the houses as the residents watched helplessly. Some of them had not managed to move their household items outside ahead of the demolition.
Speaking to journalists earlier, residents said the demolition began on Friday, February 6, 2026, when at least five houses were flattened by a bulldozer, but the occupants had already vacated the premises.
They said the eviction was ordered by a Ruiru court which directed that the tenants move out by January 16, 2026 this year but they managed to get another stay of execution order from the Thika Environment and Land High Court.
The displaced tenants are appealing to the national government to intervene and ensure they don’t suffer for mistakes not of their making.
Wangechi Njogu, one of the tenants, said trouble began in October last year when they were given two weeks by the Corporation management to move out, but they later went to court to block the move.
“We were shocked to see the demolition squad which violated a valid court order. Families and their children are now stranded and we are appealing for help,” said Wangechi.
Another resident, Gladys Njeri said most of the tenants have nowhere to go, after the eviction and have children in school shall be highly inconvenienced.
“We cannot afford rent beyond the Sh 2,500 we have been paying at the railway quarters. Most of us are stranded and are appealing to the government to intervene,” said Njeri.
Biashara ward Member of the County Assembly Kimani wa Nduta said the residents should have been given time to look for alternative accommodation.
He disclosed that the Railway Corporation was leasing the land to a developer who intends to build godowns in the area
“Whereas I am not opposed to the decision by Kenya Railways to lease out the land, the eviction was carried out in an inhumane manner. These are parents, some with young school going children. Where are they expected to go?” Kimani posed.
