Azimio la Umoja Chief Principal, Raila Odinga, has strongly denounced the recent demolitions of houses on land owned by East Africa Portland Cement in Machakos County, terming the actions as inhumane.
On Saturday, Raila expressed his deep concern over the ongoing demolitions, highlighting the dire consequences faced by numerous area residents, who now find themselves vulnerable, especially with the impending El Nino rains predicted by the weather authorities.
“Many individuals in Mavoko have been subjected to attacks, with their homes, churches, and schools being ruthlessly demolished. At a time when our nation anticipates heavy El Nino rains, it is disheartening that these people are left without shelter,” Raila lamented.
The seasoned politician placed responsibility for the demolitions squarely on Deputy President William Ruto, alleging that it was he who had issued the order for residents to be forcefully evicted from the land they have inhabited for an extended period.
Expressing a sense of urgency, Raila asserted that if it becomes necessary to relocate Kenyans from their land, the government must take a proactive approach.
He proposed that before demolishing homes, the government should provide alternative land for resettlement and ensure that suitable housing is readily available for those affected.
He passionately argued, “Human beings should not be displaced from their dwellings like animals. Such actions are inhumane and must be unequivocally condemned.”
Kalonzo Musyoka, leader of the Wiper Party, echoed Raila’s sentiments, calling for solidarity with the people of Mavoko who have endured the distressing demolitions.
He underscored the urgency of the situation, considering that national exams like KCPE and KCSE are fast approaching, while some students from Mavoko have lost their homes.
Notably, out of the 37 churches in the area, five have already been demolished, intensifying the distress faced by the affected community.
The two Azimio Principals conveyed these concerns during their attendance at a prayer and thanksgiving event held in Kitui County on Saturday.
The recent events unfolded on Friday when bulldozers descended upon numerous homes within the ‘Aimi ma Lukenya’ settlement scheme in Mavoko Constituency, demolishing them in full view of the distraught owners.
The legal context of this situation was emphasized in a court order which indicated that the disputed land belongs to Portland Cement, rather than the residents who have occupied it for an extended period.
In a significant development, the Environment and Land Court in Machakos, on October 9, 2023, made a ruling that struck out a court case filed by ‘Aimi ma Lukenya,’ who had claimed ownership of the prime land spanning 4,298 acres.
Lady Justice A. Nyukuri’s decision was predicated on the failure of ‘Aimi Ma Lukenya’ to serve their legal documents to the defendants, as stipulated by the court’s orders.
