WATCH: Resident Recalls The Day Raila Lowered Kibera Housing Rent

A resident of Kibra has shared powerful memories of how Raila intervened years ago to lower housing costs for the community.

Moses Ndege, who is both a resident of Kibra and a leader in the community Kamkunji, spoke about the impact of this action during a reflective moment on the politician’s legacy.

Mr Ndege was recounting events that the Luo community remembers Raila for.

The Struggle with Landlords

Before the intervention, landlords had complete control over pricing. A landlord would simply wake up and decide on the rent they wished to charge. This system left residents vulnerable to sudden price increases.

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“We as the Luo community in Kibera, what we remember Raila Odinga for,he successfully aided in regulating the house rent here. Hapo awali landlord angeamka na ile ambayo amefikiria na ingekuwa bei ya rent,” he recalled.

According to Mr Ndege, this challenging situation was eventually addressed.

Raila Brings Relief

The community leader revealed that Raila was instrumental in correcting the steep cost of accommodation. The intervention involved prominent national figures.

Mr Ndege remembers that Raila, alongside Mzee Moi, arrived and ‘lowered the price of houses’. They successfully ensured that the rent could not exceed a certain level.

This move resulted in immediate financial relief for tenants.

"I remember Raila came with Mzee Moi and they regulated the house rent such that there’s a level it cannot exceed. If you were paying rent of 1000, you would pay 500. If it was 2000, you would pay 1000."

Background Context of the Figures

The figures mentioned in the recollection are widely understood to be Raila Odinga, a significant political leader in Kenya, and Daniel arap Moi, the former President of Kenya, who held office from 1978 to 2002. Kibera, located in Nairobi, is one of Africa’s largest informal settlements.

A Life of Service Remembered

Mr Ndege emphasised that reducing rent was only one part of Raila’s extensive contributions. He suggested that the list of good deeds is far too long to summarise easily.

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“Raila has done many things. We can't finish writing the book of Raila.”

This anecdote, drawn from the memories of a local leader, provides a clear example of the tangible impact Raila’s actions had on the day-to-day lives of people living in Kibra.