CCP Update May 9

CP meeting notes
Mathare:

– Mwangi Kihara, the Chairman of the Mathare United Landlord organization (MALUO) reported that negotiation between Landlords and illegal occupants of houses in Mathare ongoing. So far at least 111 illegal tenants have agreed to leave the houses. KVP (Kenya Veterans for Peace) has been facilitating this process.

– It was reported that some illegal occupants were being supported by the area Chief.

– Residents in Mathare still fear that they are being marked.

– Gangs involved in harassing residents mostly come from Baba Dogo area and are largely responsible for the massive destruction of infrastructure. Names are known to police and DC, but nothing being done to stop them

Kibera

– It was reported that an initiative by UNDP – Use a thief to catch a thief – an initiative where known thugs were trained in peace building had contributed to the return of relative calm in Kibera. It was suggested that the same initiative should be transferred to Mathare.

Gitathuro near Muthaiga Police Station

– Pastor Chege is currently hosting 157 orphans at his Zion Children’s home. The Children are aged between 2 – 13 years. All the children’s records were destroyed in the post election violence.

– He also reported that all the Church property had been stolen but some of it had been recovered from neighbours who ‘lent” it back to them. Pastor Chege appealed for assistance but was also grateful to members of CCP who had visited his community.

Other concerns raised
– Writers requested to capture the human story and underline the restraint of Landlords who’s houses are illegally occupied and destroyed. Can Concerned Kenyan Writers help.

– Writers also requested to profile the Kenya Veterans for Peace ( KVP) efforts in the negotiation process. They have been instrumental in preserving calm in areas that are currently tinderboxes.

Contacts

Kenya Veterans for Peace (KVP)
CEO – Rev. John Mathenge, 0725 – 203128
Deputy Coordinator – James Muriuki, 0722 – 607472

Mathare Landlords Organisation ( MALUO)
Chairman – Peter M Kihara, 0722 – 407052.