Kenyans, you’ve heard those odd stories about certain buildings or rather rental houses in Nairobi not renting out to members of certain tribes.
Well, those are not just stories, they are a reality in Umoja Estate too.
In June 2020, Kenyan on social media especially Twitter were up in arms against Indian-only estates in Langata and Parklands Nairobi.
Many shared their experiences of being denied rental units for their being Kenyans with black skin color.
Our team, have dived into the streets of Umoja Estate and brings you houses that have tribalistic owners, for some reason, the stereotype against the Luo tribe is far most the worst.
Kisiis too suffer the wrath of these owners who christen them as ‘loud’, ‘angry’ and ‘proud’.
Members or the Luo tribe are denied housing because of that saying tied to Raila Odinga in the 2007 election campaigns, that ‘rents must be reduced or we are not paying’.
So, the landlords and ladies who happen to be from the Kikuyu tribe often remember this with some kind of deep-seated hate. Such that even after being asked for ID Card, KRA Pin and work badge, you’ll still be denied housing of your name is ‘Ochieng’, ‘Omollo’, etc.
Here are some encounters according to our research:
House One
Along Moi Drive, between Sango Pub and Unity Primary school, stands this majestic building. Its brick walled tower was a marvel to behold in the past. However, there lies a dark side to it.
The owner of this house, Ruth Wanjiru, does not allow Luos to live here. The requirements for renting is that one must provide an ID, KRA PIN and state where they are employed. It is at this stage that if your name starts with ‘O’, whether you ar Kisii or Luo, and despite a vacant house you had checked before, the house suddenly become unavailable.
‘It was particularly disheartening when I had given all the documentation, having seen the house, cleaned it then the shocker came, I was not a viable tenant. Inquiring from the caretaker later I learnt that the owner doesn’t allow Luo tenants”, said Jared Ochieng.
House Two
Just off Moi Drive on the road that separates Unity Primary School and PAG Church, there’s is this building. The B-22, the owner of this house will not allow you to rent it if you are a Luo. They’ll ask for your name and that’s how you get or not get a house in this building.
House Three
Along the dirt road that can be accessed by cars just behind Sango Pub area, on what used to be a ‘Jaba University’ hang-out, stands this old but spacious building. You will be lucky if you are a Luo to rent here.
Umoja is a cosmopolitan estate inside Nairobi’s Eastlands area, there are people from all tribes living here. The above three building were identified because of interviews with people. There are more out there, share in comments section.
