Court Extends Orders Barring Mitumba Evictions 

Court Extends Orders Barring Mitumba Evictions

Nov 14, 2011 (Menafn - Nairobi Star/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX) --The government has been restrained from evicting Mitumba slum dwellers pending court hearing and determination of their case. Lady Justice Mumbi Ngugi extended the restraining orders to enable parties prepare for full inter-partes hearing. She had issued the orders earlier after an application by Benjamine Kaunda Gishemba who is chairman of Mite-bell Welfare Society on behalf of Mitumba slum dwellers.

In his application, Gishemba said the government had given a seven-day notice to the village dwellers with a view to forcibly evicting them. The Attorney-General is listed as first respondent and the Kenya Airport Authority and the Commissioner of Lands others. Gishemba said the government had not considered the plight of the villagers in regard to their properties, economic and social rights, education for their children and right to shelter.

He said that the intended evictions violated the provisions of the bill of rights as enshrined in the constitution. Gishemba said the population of Mitumba village has been growing and currently stands at 3,065 households and a population of 15,325. He said the evictions are an imminent threat to their right to life, education, shelter and livelihood. He added that demolishing the commercial structures of the villagers violates their right to human dignity equality and freedom from discrimination and security of their persons.

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