Tension as 100,000 residents face KMC eviction in Athi-River
Machakos County Executive Committee Member in charge of Lands and Urban Settlement Mr Nathaniel Nganga during an interview with AVDelta News. The County Government of Machakos has condemned the intended demolition of homes in Njuguini and Slota in Athi-River, Machakos County, terming the action as inhumane. Photo/Gastone Musyoka
The County Government of Machakos has condemned the intended demolition of homes in Njuguini and Slota in Athi-River, terming the action as inhumane.
Machakos County Executive Committee Member in charge of Lands and Urban Settlement Nathaniel Nganga said on Monday that it was absurd the government which claims to be building affordable houses was instead demolishing existing homes and rendering Kenyans homeless.
His call came as about 100,000 residents, who have occupied the land in the area, are facing eviction following a notice of demolition issued by the Kenya Meat Commission (KMC).
Mr Nganga said the residents of the said area near the KMC property had lived in their homes for more than 20 years and had a right to continue living there.
He said previous governments have never tried to evict the residents and it was unfortunate that “the President William Ruto administration is planning to evict residents in the guise of development by KMC”.
He likened the intended demolitions to what happened at the nearby Portland settlements in 2024.
"What we witnessed at Portland in 2024 was a scar on our national conscience. Families were left homeless, lives were disrupted and a deep sense of injustice was sown. Today the same script is being replayed at KMC," Mr Nganga said.
He called on the National Government to uphold the dignity of its people.
"The National Government must respect the existence of its people. Any government that turns against its people, that destroys instead of building, that chooses oppression instead of dialogue, is betraying the very oath it swore to uphold," he said.
Mr Nganga said the County Government will resist the demolitions and urged the residents to stay put.
The state corporation, which has been embroiled in a long standing court battle with individuals who have developed numerous properties on the disputed land, has given all affected persons 14 days to vacate, failure to which eviction will be enforced.
Recently, the Environment and Lands Court sitting in Machakos delivered a judgment confirming KMC as the lawful and beneficial owner of the property.