Embakasi East MP Babu Owino on Wednesday issued a statement on the ongoing demolitions of various structures in Nairobi County.
Babu's statement came a day after his Embakasi Central counterpart Benjamin Gatheru was arrested as he led residents in attempting to stop the demolition of structures in Nyama Villa estate, Kayole.
Noting that many of the 600 structures to be destroyed in coming days were located in the larger Embakasi area, Babu blamed past leadership for allowing the problem to grow deeper.
He further offered to serve as an impartial mediator, proposing dialogue between residents and various implementing agencies.
"I would like to make a special appeal, to all parties, in the spirit of the Christmas season, to agree to resolve issues at the negotiating table as opposed to inhumane demolitions that leave children spending nights in the cold 2,000 years after the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ who also spent Christmas outside in a manger...
"I would like to urge everybody to embrace dialogue and I offer myself to serve as an impartial mediator," Babu wrote.
He also decried rampant corruption in the government that resulted in demolition of structures which had received licenses from the relevant agencies.
Gatheru had demanded to see the eviction notice at Nyama Villa as frustrated residents claimed that they were not given adequate notice.
Residents scrambled to save their valuables as excavators arrived on the scene early on Tuesday morning.
Heavy security presence was also witnessed around the area.
