Senate grilled Sakaja over Old Ngara Estate evictions
The Senate Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee has put Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to task over the controversial evictions at Old Ngara Estate, where lawmakers ordered investigations into alleged misconduct by county officials and possible irregular repossession of housing units.
The Senate session, held at Parliament Buildings, focused on claims of unlawful evictions, disputed rent records and allegations that some Nairobi County staff may have had personal interests in the contested properties.
Senators raised concern that some tenants with valid proof of payment were being forcibly removed from their homes, prompting calls for accountability in the management and allocation of the estate.
Sakaja appeared before the committee after missing two earlier invitations and a final summons. He attributed his absence to miscommunication rather than deliberate disregard for the Senate.
During the hearing, the governor defended his administration’s approach to housing management, insisting that while the county does not support inhumane evictions, tenants are still required to meet their rental obligations.
“Tenants must meet their obligations. Impunity in rent payment has denied the county billions in revenue, a persistent audit query my administration cannot condone,” Sakaja said.
However, senators pressed him further over allegations that some county officials could be exploiting the situation for personal gain, including irregular allocation or repossession of units.
Committee Chairperson Senator Veronica Maina stressed the need for transparency, saying residents of Old Ngara deserved clear answers on the evictions and the management of their accounts.
“Governor, this committee is glad you are finally here. The residents of Old Ngara deserve answers on the evictions, on the accounts, and on how the county intends to treat its most vulnerable tenants going forward,” she said.
Senator Daniel Maanzo also called for internal accountability within the county government, urging Sakaja to investigate possible wrongdoing among his staff.
“We need you to investigate your own staff. There is credible concern that some officers have vested interests in these properties. That would explain why tenants with proof of payment are still being evicted. This committee wants accountability,” Maanzo said.
In response, Sakaja committed to a full reconciliation of rent accounts and announced the establishment of a dedicated reporting desk at City Hall and estate offices to handle tenant complaints and disputes as investigations continue.
The committee maintained that any tenants found to have been unlawfully evicted must be compensated and their rights restored.
“Governor, we expect full reconciliation of these accounts. And where tenants were evicted illegally, restitution must follow. No one should lose their home unlawfully and walk away without remedy,” Senator Maina said.
