Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga has condemned the demolition of houses in Athi River, Machakos County following President William Ruto’s directive.
Speaking on Saturday, October 14 during the thanksgiving ceremony of Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua, Raila said it was inhuman for the government to demolish the houses.
“Before I came here, I spoke with Governor Wavinya, and she was in tears about how people were attacked in Mavoko. Their houses were demolished, churches were demolished, schools were demolished, and during this El Niño season, there is heavy rain and people have nowhere to sleep. That is an act of brutality, and no one else but Ruto himself gave the order for these people to be evicted. Where do you expect the people who have been living here all this time to go now?” he posed.
The opposition chief demanded that the government takes action on the demolitions and build new houses for the victims affected.
“We demand that action be taken to ensure these people are provided with their own houses just like the government talks about affordable housing. They should be provided with their own homes especially during this difficult time,” Raila added.
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President Ruto on Friday said the court cleared the state to transfer part of the East Africa Portland Cement Company (EAPCC) land to the Athi River EPZ.
“We will take either a thousand or one thousand five hundred acres of that land and make it part of EPZ here in Athi River so that we can create more space for more companies to set camp in Athi River and manufacture more products,” Ruto stated.
He also directed the Athi River EPZ management to revoke all title deeds of land that have not been utilized for over ten years.
