Machakos Senator Agnes Kavindu has appealed to President William Ruto to intervene and halt the ongoing demolitions in Mavoko and Athi River, which have displaced hundreds of families in Machakos County.
Speaking during a funeral service in Machakos on Monday, Senator Kavindu criticized the demolitions, terming them as cruel and ill-timed, especially during the rainy season when families, including children, are vulnerable. “Why are people being displaced when there are rains and some people have children? That is not acceptable,” she said, calling for respect and human dignity in the treatment of residents.
The demolitions stem from a long-standing land dispute involving East African Portland Cement Company and a farmers’ association known as Aimi Ma Lukenya. The contested 4,298 hectares of land in Mavoko have been at the center of legal battles since 2014. In October 2023, the Environment and Land Court ruled in favor of the cement company, dismissing the association’s case due to procedural errors, including the filing of a fake title deed and failure to serve court documents.
County Lands Executive Nathaniel Nganga wa Ngangani echoed Kavindu’s sentiments, stating that Governor Wavinya Ndeti and other local leaders strongly oppose the demolitions. Nganga criticized the manner in which the evictions are being carried out, citing lack of consultation between the national and county governments. He stressed the need for thorough investigations and proper compensation mechanisms before any action is taken.
“We must ensure victims are treated humanely and offered alternative land to rebuild their lives,” Nganga said.
Despite the court’s ruling, the demolitions have sparked public outrage, with many questioning the morality of evicting families without sufficient notice or compensation.
As pressure mounts, leaders and human rights advocates are urging the national government to prioritize dialogue and humane solutions over forceful evictions.
The fate of the affected residents remains uncertain as they await potential intervention from President Ruto and further action from the concerned authorities.
