The demolition of at least 170 houses at Changamwe National Housing Estate has left scores of families homeless after the national government moved ahead with the exercise despite appeals by local leaders for more time. 

Heavy machinery rolled into the estate as residents scrambled to salvage their belongings, with many saying they had nowhere else to go.

A visibly angry Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir joined the affected residents at the scene alongside Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki, Changamwe MP Omar Mwinyi and Changamwe MCA Stephen Ogutu. 

The leaders criticized the demolitions, arguing that they had engaged the Ministry of Housing in an effort to secure an extension that would allow residents to relocate in a dignified manner, but their pleas were not heeded.

The demolitions have triggered fresh concerns over the handling of public housing redevelopment projects and the welfare of displaced families. 

Residents are now calling on the national government to provide alternative housing, compensation where applicable, and a clear roadmap to prevent vulnerable households from bearing the full burden of urban renewal.