Next

Slum Violence

Slum Violence

In November 2006, two gangs - the Taliban and Mungiki - began fighting in the slum. Previously, the Mungiki had emerged in the slum as a “security” force, claiming to protect the safety of the people in the absence of the Kenyan Police who had little interest in Mathare. But over time the Mungiki started to demand higher and higher security fees from the ordinary people of the slum. The fighting began between the two tribes as an uprising against the Mungiki.

Houses were set on fire and people fled, forced to carry their personal possessions and camp at the side of the main road nearby. Children were separated from their families and many people died. It was months before people felt that it was safe to return.