Nairobi's Eastlands area has often been described as a locality prone to crime, prostitution, water rationing and crowding and has often been the laughing stock among city dwellers.
Despite being the hub of all sorts of evil, Eastlands has also produced some of the most prominent leaders in Kenya.
Retired President Daniel Arap Moi, lived in a single-room house in Ziwani area.
At the time, the houses were significantly cheaper and due to its proximity to the Central Business District, most young people made Ziwani their haven.
Opposition Chief Raila Odinga grew up in Jerusalem area and it is where he acquired the name Agwambo, meaning mystery or unpredictable.
He was named by Grace Akumu, widow of former Central Organisation of Trade Union (COTU) Secretary General Denis Akumu.
Current Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero was born and bred in Majengo in a family of seven and they would survive on the little his policeman father would provide.
He claims that the functional systems at the time motivated him to become governor because he believed the same would be achieved in this era.
Former Gatanga Member of Parliament Peter Kenneth grew up in Bahati area in a single-roomed house with his mum and later attended Starehe Boys Centre in Ziwani.
Other prominent people who are linked with Eastlands include former Westlands Member of Parliament Fred Gumo and political analyst Mutahi Ngunyi.
Over the years, living conditions have deteriorated in the area and all of the leaders mentioned above have moved to more affluent estates.
