Led by Machakos governor, Wavinya Ndeti, leaders visited the 4,200 acre land that is now under demolitions. This comes after the Machakos court on Monday October 9th ruled that the land belonged to East Africa Portland Cement Company.
Demolitions started on Friday evening that saw families spend the night in the cold as bulldozers brought down structures.
Tha land is occupied by over 10,000 squatters who are currently racing against time to salvage their items. This they do under the watch of GSU officers who are there to make sure no opposition comes forth.
One Musa Mbiuki said that he has with his family lived in the land for nine years. Portland Cement Company had allowed them to occupy the land after their mining activities ended.
“It is a sad end for me and my family because we have lived here for nine years. I was previously a squatter at Athi-river slums and we settled here after Portland allowed us hoping we would be legally settled since mining activities ended and the land belongs to a government entity.”
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Wavinya Ndeti and other leaders were teargassed as they tried to assemble those affected for a public address. They say that this is a scheme by the government to grab the land.
“It is a sad day for the Kamba Nation. We as leaders had a dialogue with the president over the matter but unfortunately, families have been destabilized. I am annoyed and disappointed about this government. They campaigned on the basis of uplifting the needy but it is pure oppression to the least fortunate persons who can barely afford a meal, ” Said Ndeti.
MP. Patrick Makau also said that it’s not fair that the government advocating for affordable housing is demolishing those in place. He added that it’s a shame that GSU are dispersing leaders offering humanitarian aid claiming they have orders from above.
Robert Mbui, MP Kathiani also called for the President to halt the demolitions. “It is unfortunate that the government which is meant to protect its people is oppressing them.”
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