Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja appeared before the Senate Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee on Thursday to respond to concerns surrounding the controversial evictions at Old Ngara Estate.
The appearance came months after the Governor failed to honour two written invitations and a final summons issued by the committee, which had warned of possible arrest if he did not appear.
The session, held on May 7, chaired by Nominated Senator Veronica Maina, said that residents deserved clear answers regarding the evictions and the handling of tenant 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,” Maina said.
Sakaja Defends Absence and County Position
Sakaja, who appeared before the committee with written submissions, denied disrespecting the Senate committee and attributed his earlier absence to miscommunication.
“I did not disrespect this honorable committee. My administration cannot and will not carry out inhumane evictions,” he said.
At the same time, the Governor defended the county’s position on rent collection, arguing that failure by tenants to meet their obligations had significantly affected county revenue.
“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 stated.
Allegations of Staff Misconduct and Illegal Reallocation
The committee also raised concerns that some Nairobi County officials could have personal interests in the contested properties and may have been harassing tenants to pave the way for illegal reallocations.
Senator Daniel Maanzo directly challenged the Governor to investigate county staff linked to the matter.
“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 agreed to conduct a full reconciliation of tenant accounts. He also announced plans to establish a dedicated reporting desk at City Hall and within estate offices to handle tenant disputes.
Senate Demands Accountability and Restitution
The committee insisted that any unlawful evictions must be addressed and affected tenants compensated.
Senator Maina concluded the session by demanding accountability and restitution for tenants who may have been unfairly removed from their homes.
“Governor (Sakaja), 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,” she said.
