- ODM leader Oburu Odinga toured Kibera during the party’s first public rally
- He pledged Sh3 million to traders affected by overnight demolitions
- The funds are meant to help victims rebuild businesses and incomes
- Oketch Salah also announced Sh2 million support for the affected areas
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Oburu Odinga on Wednesday made a high-profile visit to Kibera, where the party held its first official public rally at Kamukunji Grounds.
The visit came at a tense moment for residents, following overnight demolitions that left many traders counting losses.
Several small business owners woke up to find their structures pulled down in an operation carried out earlier the same day. The demolitions mainly affected car wash businesses and food kiosks located along a key corridor near Ngong Road.
Residents said the exercise wiped out sources of income, forcing leaders to intervene.
While addressing residents during a public consultative meeting on party matters, Oburu announced financial help for those affected.
He promised Sh3 million to traders whose premises were destroyed, assuring them that the support would be added to the earlier assistance already given.
“I will give Sh3 million to those whose structures were demolished, on top of what was already provided,” he told the crowd.
The ODM leader said the money would be shared among affected business owners to help them restart operations and stabilise livelihoods within the informal settlement.
He added that the party would continue standing with communities facing hardship during major development projects.
During the same forum, Oketch Salah also stepped in with support, pledging Sh2 million to assist demolition victims in Kibera and Lang’ata.
He said the funds would be distributed to traders impacted by the crackdown across the two areas.
The demolished businesses were reportedly built on Kenya Railways land, which is being cleared to pave the way for a new train station linking Nairobi CBD to Nyayo Stadium and Talanta Stadium.
The redevelopment is part of preparations ahead of AFCON 2027, which Kenya is set to co-host.
Among those hit by the demolitions was Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, whose carpet cleaning and car wash business opposite Nyayo Stadium was flattened under heavy police guard.
As traders begin rebuilding, residents are calling for clearer engagement and compensation plans during major public projects. For now, the financial pledges have brought some relief to a community grappling with sudden loss and uncertainty.
