Residents protest Wajir Stadium evictions, say they want alternatives

Construction is going on at the Wajir Stadium./STEPHEN ASTARIKO

People living near Wajir Stadium have raised concerns over planned evictions to pave the way for road expansion works ahead of Madaraka Day celebrations.

Most homesteads have been earmarked for demolition to allow for road expansion to the stadium that is being upgraded to host the national celebrations to be presided over by President William Ruto.

Construction works at the stadium are already underway.

Affected residents, however opposed being forced out of their homes.

Speaking to the press outside the stadium, they called on relevant authorities to halt the planned demolitions, ensure adequate compensation, and provide sufficient notice in line with the law.

The families say they face the threat of homelessness, accusing both the national and county governments of violating their rights and disregarding their long-standing residency.

Bilqas Ibrahim, one of those affected, expressed frustration over what she termed unfair treatment.

“As we speak, several households have already been directly affected by this planned demolition. The government is giving us seven days to vacate, yet the Constitution provides for a minimum 30-day notice,” she said.

Ibrahim urged the government to reconsider the eviction plan, describing the process as abrupt and inhumane.

“We are in the middle of the month, yet we are being told to leave within seven days. Officials from Kenya Urban Roads Authority are expected to arrive at any time to begin the road expansion works,” she added.

Another resident, Mohamed Hussein, questioned why authorities had previously allowed them to settle in the area, only to later term it a road reserve.

“Some of us have lived here since 1983. We have built our homes and raised families here. Now we are being told to leave within seven days. Where are we expected to go?” he posed.

Osman Abdi said it would be practically impossible for him to relocate his family within such a short period. He appealed for more time, noting the emotional toll on residents.

“You cannot imagine the anxiety we are going through. No one is telling us where to go—we are simply being told to leave. This is happening in the middle of Ramadhan, which makes it even more distressing,” he said.

The developments come just days after a high-level government delegation, including Principal Secretaries Raymond Omollo (Interior), Patrick Mariru (Defence) and Teresia Mbaika (Aviation) toured Wajir to assess progress of the stadium and other key infrastructure projects.

The team also reviewed upgrades at Wajir International Airport, road expansion works within the county, and improvements to facilities expected to host state functions during the national celebration.

Mariru said the Ministry of Defence, which is overseeing construction of the stadium, is confident that the project will be completed on schedule.

Wajir Deputy Governor Ahmed Muhumed, who hosted the delegation, affirmed the county’s support for the national government’s initiatives.

“As a county, we may not be directly funding these projects, but we will mobilise the community and support all efforts to ensure their success,” he said.

This year’s Madaraka Day celebrations will mark the first time the national event is being hosted in Wajir, a move expected to spotlight development in Kenya’s Northeastern region.