Several families in Nyamavilla, Kayole Estate, were left homeless on Monday, December 16, following a series of demolitions due to a long-standing land dispute.
Ex-KDF soldier (l) narrates losing home in Kayole demolitions, Nairobi. The conflict, which dates back to 2002, pits a real estate company against individuals accused of illegally occupying the contested land.
The demolitions began early Monday morning, catching many residents off guard. Some who had travelled rushed back to try to save their properties.
Former KDF officer laments over Kayole demolitions A Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) veteran who travelled overnight to protect his home expressed his devastation after losing everything.
Speaking to Citizen TV, he shared that he had invested his entire retirement savings into buying the land, not knowing it was part of a disputed development project.
“I was unaware that these plots were part of a development project when I bought them. I invested all my savings, KSh 900 million, for my retirement, but now it’s all vanished. After a year, we are witnessing demolitions,” he said, clearly heartbroken.
The real estate company behind the demolitions claims that many occupants failed to meet payment obligations outlined in prior agreements. “The plot owner said he is selling each plot for three million. Now these people who are being demolished refused to pay the amount in instalments,” the ex-soldier explained.
Nominated MCA Joy Mwangi criticised the move, highlighting the insufficient notice given to residents. “These houses being demolished have not lasted long and the land belongs to Nairobi City Council,” she expressed.
This wave of demolitions follows a similar action in 2018, which was halted after an intervention by former president Uhuru Kenyatta. However, the recent operation has continued unabated, leaving residents scrambling for solutions
by Nancy Odindo
