Ruto Orders Demolition of Section of State House Wall

President William Ruto has ordered the demolition of part of the perimeter wall at State House, Nairobi, after it was found to have been built on protected river land.

Speaking at the Nairobi County Assembly on Thursday, April 9, 2026, the President said a multi-agency team had discovered that a section of the wall extends into land meant to protect the nearby Kirichwa Kubwa River.

Ruto confirmed that the government had already received an official notice stating that the wall violates riparian land regulations and must be removed.

He assured leaders present that the demolition will happen quickly, stressing that no structure—regardless of its importance—will be allowed to break environmental laws.

According to the President, buildings should be at least 15 metres away from the highest water mark of a river. He promised that the affected part of the wall will be brought down to follow the law.

Riparian land refers to protected areas along rivers and water bodies where construction is not allowed. These zones help prevent environmental damage and reduce risks such as flooding.

Ruto noted that illegal construction and environmental destruction, especially in Nairobi, have made flooding worse over the years.

This move comes as the government increases efforts to reclaim riparian land across the city. Authorities are targeting buildings and structures that were illegally built near rivers and wetlands.

At the same time, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has ordered the demolition of illegal structures along riverbanks. He has also called for the relocation of people living on riparian land to help control flooding in the city.

Speaking in Westlands earlier in March, Sakaja said the county had already started implementing the plan after receiving a report from the infrastructure committee.

He explained that many buildings have blocked natural waterways, forcing rivers into narrow channels that cannot handle heavy rains.

The governor also blamed illegal dumping and failure to follow approved building plans for worsening the flooding problem in Nairobi.