Chaos as Makongeni and Kaloleni residents protest compensation dispute

Chaos erupted at offices located within the Railways precincts in Nairobi after police fired shots in the air to disperse residents who were reportedly demonstrating over a disputed compensation process.

The confrontation, captured in a video seen by the Star, showed a tense and chaotic scene as dozens of residents scattered in panic, screaming and scrambling for safety.

The demonstration is said to have stemmed from longstanding grievances by Makongeni and Kaloleni residents over compensation matters linked to ongoing land and housing concerns in the area.

On Saturday, frustration appeared to have escalated, leading to a dramatic confrontation inside the Railways precincts.

In the video, residents—some clutching plastic seats and personal items—are seen fleeing in different directions as gunshots rang out.

Chairs that had been used during the gathering lay scattered on the ground.

Screams filled the air as people ran toward exits, some stumbling while others cried out warnings to those behind them.

Police officers deployed to control the unrest could be heard shouting commands such as “Toka nje!” (“Get out!”) and, in some cases, directing hesitant attendees with phrases like “Weh, huwezi toka!”

Other residents ducked for cover or dropped to the ground as they sought any available escape route.

Confusion reigned as some protesters attempted to hide in drainage channels and behind concrete barriers within the compound.

Moments later, the crowd was seen pouring out of the Railway precincts in a hurried, uncoordinated wave.

Some ran across adjacent paths and roads while looking back anxiously, unsure whether the police would pursue them further. Others walked briskly, clutching their belongings, clearly shaken by the sudden confrontation that had disrupted the gathering.

The incident comes weeks after demonstrators—many from the Makongeni estate—called for a halt to eviction plans tied to a city-led affordable housing project.

At the time, police issued an advisory to motorists and pedestrians to avoid Jogoo Road after reports emerged of a large crowd marching toward the Central Business District, throwing stones at vehicles, and allegedly robbing passengers.

Police urged members of the public to avoid the area: if possible, refrain from traveling through this area until the situation is resolved.

The usually busy Jogoo Road had been rendered impassable as Makongeni residents staged a protest against planned evictions, setting bonfires on the highway and trapping motorists in a volatile confrontation.

Makongeni residents say they have long been uneasy about eviction proposals tied to the city’s housing plans.