Investors who had put up buildings on land near Nyama Villa area near Kayole estate in Nairobi are counting losses after a man who initially owned the land moved in with excavators to bring them down earlier today amid tight security.
Apparently, the owner obtained a court order a few years ago but the government at the time advised him to reach an amicable settlement with the buyers as the property on the land measuring 20 hectares is now worth billions of shillings.
A few hours after the demolitions, angry Nairobi Women Representative Esther Passaris visited Kayole where she expressed her frustration at the demolitions that left hundreds of families homeless. Hon. Passaris met devastated tenants who were trying to salvage their household goods as excavators demolished buildings.
Hours later, an angry Passari visited Kayole where she expressed frustration at the demolitions that left hundreds of families homeless.
In the event of forceful displament of people such as in Nyama Villa today, women, children and the elderly are the most affected citizens. It's imperative that the welfare of the people is put first in such operations. pic.twitter.com/aePBs7tn72
— Hon. Esther M Passaris (@EstherPassaris) December 18, 2018
“In the event of forceful displacement of people such as in Nyama Villa today, women, children and the elderly are the most affected citizens. It’s imperative that the welfare of the people is put first in such operations,” said the Nairobi Women Rep. in a tweet.
The Nairobi Women Rep told journalists that she had been trying to get hold of the Governor Mike Sonko but could not get a hold of him.
Passaris finally got someone from the county who told her that it was actually a Kenya Power and Lighting demolition.
“When our courts issue an order for demolition they have to understand we are talking about 20 to 30 houses that are fully occupied with families that have paid rent, even tenants have got rights,” Passaris lamented.
Area MP Benjamin Gathiru alias Mejja Donk was arrested by police officers after he tried to stop the demolitions. He had confronted police officers who were providing security during the demolition and demanded to be shown an eviction notice following complaints from aggrieved residents.
The demolitions began today as tenants watched the place they called home brought down. The efforts they made to salvage their households goods were futile as police chased them away from time to time to prevent looting.
Who do you think bears the blame for the Kayole demolitions?