Ekerubo dwellers agitate for compensation as a housing project starts

Villagers and traders displaced from land set aside for the affordable housing project in Ekerubo, Masaba South in Kisii are agitating for compensation.

Those who spoke to AVDelta News now say they were hastily ordered out as their structures were demolished without any assurances of compensation.

Among those displaced are worshippers at Ekerubo Seventh Day Adventist Church.

The church building has been earmarked for demolition as the housing project starts at another section of the vast land.

"We have not been told anything yet. I lost property and nobody is telling me who will compensate me," Mr John Nyabwoge, a resident, told AVDelta News on Wednesday.

Area (Ichuni) Ward Representative-- MCA--Wycliff Siocha also weighed in, asking the government to compensate all the affected residents.

" When this project was initially floated those who had set businesses at the site were looking forward to receive some cash to help them restart life elsewhere but this had not been forthcoming," Mr Siocha separately told journalists.

He said he had been under pressure on what to tell the affected residents having failed to get satisfactory response from the government.

"I am their hope as they push for compensation yet I am at a loss myself," he stated.

At least 270 units are being set up in the area, part of the broader initiative by President William Ruto.

The President also visited the region and undertook a ground breaking ceremony ahead of construction works of the units.

It will cost over Sh700 million of the taxpayers' money.