Machakos Land CEC Philip Kilonzo has condemned the demolitions that were conducted in East African Portland Cememt land in Athi River.
Kilonzo noted that there are ongoing negotiations between the County Government of Machakos and the National Government concerning the land and the action was uncalled for.
He noted that it is not clear yet who ordered the demolitions of several structures erected by squatters on the land.
“For the last three days, there have been unknown people bringing down structures of our people who have been on the land. Many houses were destroyed and families left in the cold. There is a woman with a newborn child with nowhere to go and it is saddening,” Kilonzo said.
“Lands is devolved and the Governor is in control of every land in the county and there should be no one coming just from anywhere to do such a thing. The governor is in talks with the Deputy President, CS, and PS Lands about the EAPC land, where is all this coming from?”The CEC questioned.
He called for the police to investigate the incident and ensure the one who did the demolitions is brought to book adding that it could be a possible case of land grabbing.
“When trying to inquire about the incident I’m told it is an order from above, I think these are people trying to take away our land and we won’t allow such a thing,”Kilonzo went on.
In November 2022, Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria vowed to kick out squatters from East African Portland Cement Company land in Athi River. Kuria’s remarks resulted in an uproar from Ukambani leaders led by Kalonzo and Governor Wavinya.
