Haki Yetu Organisation , a lobby group in the Coast region, has condemned demolitions by Kenya Railways in Mombasa county that they claim started over the weekend.
The organisation said over 700 families have been rendered homeless in Kibarani, Darajani Kwa Punda, Bogo bogo, and Miritini.
In a press statement, circulated in media houses, the lobby group urged the relevant authorities to fulfil the rights of Housing as provided in article 43 of the constitution and uphold this right in all the development efforts.
The organisation also wants the National Police Service to investigate the use of masked goons in the evictions in Kibarani, Darajani Kwa Punda, Bogobogo, and Miritini.
“We are calling on the concerned authorities to immediately suspend all the demolitions until measures are put in place to safeguard the rights of the affected communities,” the statement reads in part.
According to Haki Yetu, the eviction is a blatant disregard for the globally and nationally set guidelines on evictions, resettlement and compensation.
In Kenya, evictions are governed by the Land Act, 2012, and related legislation.
Evictions are a regulated process that requires proper identification of those taking part in the eviction, presentation of formal authorizations, and government officials present during evictions.
The Land Act outlines mandatory procedures that must be followed, including respecting the dignity of those affected, providing special measures for vulnerable groups, and protecting property left behind.
The first procedure is issuing the unlawful occupiers an eviction notice beforehand.
Eviction notices with regards to public, private and community land are provided by The Land Act of Kenya.
In all three, the notice should be served 3 months before the intended eviction.