At least 30 families have been rendered homeless after their homes were demolished under unclear circumstances in Kwa Munyeti farm in Mavoko, Athi River.
Unknown people accompanied by a contingent of armed uniformed police officers are reported to have invaded the area at 4 am.
Residents tell horrifying tales of how they were ordered out of their houses before heavy bulldozers reduced their homes to rubbles.
“I heard a loud bang at my gate and a man shouting that it was the police. By the time I opened the door, my perimeter wall had already been reduced to rubbles. I began screaming asking for a minute to save my children and hurriedly woke my family members before we rushed outside; this was when I realized other homes in my neighbourhood had been flattened already. I watched in pain as my house was being flattened while my young children cried,” Innocent Masesi, one of the victims recounted adding that his demolished house which was worth Ksh5.2 million was financed by a loan he took from a local bank.
Devastated homeowners who claim there was no prior eviction notice say they have been left helpless and are now counting losses.
School-going children who had to bear the chilly morning were left traumatized.
According to the affected families, those who demolished the homes did not identify themselves and any attempts to question them were thwarted.
“I was not able to salvage any household item. The bulldozer operator mercilessly smashed the items one by one; when I tried questioning who facilitated the demolitions, I was slapped by one of the officers who warned that any attempt to talk would be met by regrettable punishment, ” Joseph Musyoki, another victim said.
They condemned the incident terming it as inhumane and illegal adding that they acquired the land through the legal process.
In the past, the residents have been involved in a land dispute with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) who claim ownership of the land.
However, it is not known who facilitated the demolitions.
Land disputes are rampant in Mavoko Subcounty owing to its proximity to Nairobi, land brokers, undeveloped chunks of land and huge demand for land.
