Runda residents demonstrate over land dispute

William Muthama 11th October, 2025 01:52 PM

Residents of Runda took to the streets on Saturday, October 11, 2025, to oppose a proposed luxury housing development on public land, raising concerns over environmental damage and community interests.

The peaceful protest drew dozens of residents determined to stop the conversion of land originally set aside for communal use into private estates.

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Chris Getonga, chairman of the Runda Residents Association, said the eight-acre site, located on Land Reference No. 7785/1303 along Andrew Zagoritis Road, was allocated for educational and community purposes in 1977 after being handed over by Mae Properties Limited, the estate’s first developer.

“Private developers now want to turn this land into a USD48 million luxury housing project with 16 high-end units, each valued between Ksh256 million (USD 2 million) and Ksh460.8 million (USD 3.6 million),” Getonga said. “This threatens public interest and the environment and ignores the land’s original purpose.”

Residents march in Runda, raising placards to protest the luxury housing project and demand protection of public land. PHOTO/https://www.facebook.com/share/1BTP25Xp4e/

Residents also raised concerns about the Runda Basin, part of the disputed site, which serves as a key stormwater retention area.

According to locals, recent backfilling and earthworks have disrupted natural drainage, putting nearby homes along Benin Drive and Eliud Mathu Road at risk of flooding and soil erosion.

“The Runda Basin protects our homes from flooding. Interfering with it could cause serious damage,” said Judy Kerubo, one of the protesters.

The demonstrators called on the Nairobi City County Government, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and the Water Resources Authority (WRA) to halt construction, investigate ownership, and ensure the land is returned to public and community use.

Karura Member of County Assembly (MCA) Fiu Nifiu stressed the importance of swift action.

“Restoring this land for community use will send a strong signal against land grabbing and uphold public interest in Nairobi,” he said.

Residents vowed to continue their peaceful protests until the site is secured and environmental protections are fully enforced.

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William Muthama

William Muthama is a digital journalist with a focus on entertainment, human interest, and current affairs. Share stories: [email protected]/ [email protected]

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