The Kenya Kwanza government has been accused of being insensitive to the plight of Mavoko residents in Athi River Machakos county, Kenya.
The demolitions of homes, schools, and churches on East African Portland Cement (EAPC) property in the Mavoko area left dozens of residents in pain and despair.
President William Ruto ordered squatters occupying part of EAPC land in Athi River to vacate, while also ordering the Lands Ministry to revoke titles of land that have not been developed in Athi River for over 10 years.
The prime land in question, LRNo 10424, is currently valued at approximately Sh15 million per acre and has been a tag of war among individuals claiming ownership.
“The government will purchase part of this land and construct more factories there so that our jobless youth benefit,” said Ruto.
Ruto also ordered the Lands Ministry to revoke titles of land that have not been developed in Athi River for over 10 years.
“People who have held titles to pieces of land for 10 to 30 years without developing them be revoked so that we can give it to people who want to use this facility,” Ruto said.
Azimio leadership, led by Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka, and Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti, condemned the demolitions at the disputed piece of land
“What is happening in Mavoko is a beastly act, and we condemn it. The government should stop that exercise and compensate the residents for the loss,” Raila said.
