Locals lose property worth millions in Mavoko land demolitions

Several families have been rendered homeless after their houses were demolished in Athi River, Machakos County.

The tens of victims, residents of Munyeti farm in Katani location, are counting losses following the incident that occurred at about 1 am on Friday.

The homeowners were forced to spend Saturday night in the cold.

They said they were not aware of those who effected the night evictions as no notices or orders were issued to them prior to the exercise. 

Some of those who spoke to the Star blamed the demolitions on a cement company located in Athi River. They said the firm had claimed ownership of the same parcel of land.

“I have put up a permanent house here. I was called from Naivasha at around 3 am on Friday by a neighbour who told me that people had come and were demolishing houses,” said Simon Kibira.

He arrived at 6 am only to find debris of what used to be his house. Kibira had lived on the land for two years.

“I found my house had been broken into and demolished, everything was in disarray,” he said.

The locals said over 80 houses were brought down.

Among the properties demolished were lush homes, a private school under construction and an operational hotel.

Water tanks belonging to some residents were also destroyed, as some claimed personal property such as mobile phones, electronics, tablets and laptops, were stolen.

Victims said a shovel tractor was used to pull down the structures, despite a court order of status quo issued in 2023. 

The Star could not immediately establish the claim.

“I have lost close to Sh3 million. Why was this done at night while demolitions should be conducted between 6 am and 6 pm? Why didn’t they come with a court order and an eviction notice if the evictions were genuine?” Kibira posed.

John Mutua, who had lived on the land for over 10 years, said the attackers were armed with various weapons.

 He added that goons were among those who raided their residences.  

“They came in motor vehicles with concealed registration numbers. We don’t know who they were and where they had come from,” Mutua said.

“We have a stay order from courts on this land. They are in contempt of court,” Mutua said.

He also claimed some of the victims, including him, were beaten by unknown people.

Athi River South sub-county police commander Philis Muthoni said they were not aware of the demolitions.

Muthoni said they had launched investigations on the incident, having received complaints on the same.

“As police officers, our mandate is to maintain law and order alongside protecting lives and properties. We have launched investigations into the incident and will take necessary actions according to the law,” Muthoni told the Star on Saturday.

The demolitions came barely two years after hundreds of victims lost property worth millions of shillings in a land row with the East African Portland Cement Company.

Some of the victims in the latest demolitions said they moved to the property after their houses, which were on the EAPCC land, were demolished in 2023.