In a disturbing incident in the Mathare area of Nairobi, a landlord faced accusations of removing a tenant’s roof after she failed to raise Ksh6,000 to settle rent arrears. The harrowing situation came to light through a video posted by content creator Priscilla wa Imani, depicting the tenant serving food to her children inside a roofless house.
The distressing video caught the attention of Kenyans, prompting an outpouring of sympathy and calls for intervention. The area leader reportedly sought the assistance of Priscilla wa Imani to rescue the children from the dire conditions of sleeping in the cold.
Priscilla highlighted the tenant’s abject poverty, revealing that the children sometimes slept hungry, and their breakfast consisted of hot water and sugar due to the inability to afford tea leaves. The mother, in her desperate situation, even excluded herself from consuming the little food she managed to acquire daily.
Expressing concern about the impending Nairobi weather and the vulnerability of the children, Priscilla advocated for a peaceful resolution without resorting to violence. Many Kenyans, moved by the video, expressed their willingness to support the struggling family once a pay bill number was established.
The incident raises questions about landlord-tenant relations and adherence to the Rent Restrictions Act outlined in the Kenyan Constitution. According to the Act, landlords are required to give tenants at least 30 days’ notice before eviction, ensuring premises are in good condition. Tenants, in turn, must issue notices based on lease agreements.
The public outcry serves as a reminder of the need for humane treatment and adherence to legal frameworks to protect tenants in vulnerable situations. As the community rallies to support the affected family, the incident sheds light on the broader issue of housing rights and the responsibility of landlords to maintain premises in suitable conditions for human habitation.
