Residents of Ngelani, Mavoko, in Machakos County, were left in despair after their homes were demolished in the early hours of Saturday, forcing them to spend the night in the cold. The demolitions, which began around 1:00 a.m., caused chaos and panic among the affected families, with many unable to salvage their belongings.
Daudi Barasa, a resident, described the harrowing experience as a “heartless” act, stating that the families had lived on the land for over seven years without any prior dispute. “If there were any legal issues surrounding the land, we would have been served with court orders. These demolitions are unlawful and heartless,” Barasa lamented.
Wangoi Waweru, one of the victims, had her multi-million shilling home reduced to rubble. “Over 200 individuals stormed our property and demolished everything. It was terrifying. They treated us like criminals,” Wangoi said, visibly shaken by the ordeal.
The demolitions were carried out by a group of people accompanied by police officers. Reports indicate that the officers arrived in vehicles with concealed number plates and stood guard while the destruction unfolded. As the homes were torn down, opportunistic criminals took advantage of the chaos to loot what remained of the residents’ property.
James Thuo, a caretaker at one of the demolished properties, described the scene as grim, with police officers overseeing the destruction while millions of shillings worth of property were reduced to dust. A newly established school that served the community was also not spared.
As the affected families struggle to come to terms with their loss, they are left with more questions than answers. The demolitions have left them grappling with trauma, uncertainty, and a loss of community. Many are now calling for accountability, questioning the legality of the demolitions and seeking justice for the heart-wrenching destruction of their homes.
