By Peter K’opiyo
The government has denied allegations of having a hand in the demolitions that happened in Nyama Villa estate in Kayole, Nairobi.
In a press release by the Executive Office of the President through the government spokesperson, Dr. Isaac Mwaura, the state acknowledged the anguish that has been caused by the ongoing bulldozing in Nyama villa estate.
“The government acknowledges the distress and disruption the situation at Nyama Villa estate in Kayole has caused to the affected Kenyans. However, it is important to clarify that the government is not involved in the demolitions in any manner,” stated the release.
Mwaura further said the events have a long dispute history that has had several court orders, with the out of court agreement between the residents and an investor bearing no fruit.
“The situation stems out of a long-standing land dispute between an investment company and the residents. This matter has been the subject of legal contention for many years, resulting in court orders issued to the residents to vacate the land, after failure to honour out of court agreement,” averred Mwaura, adding that a section of the residents who complied escaped the crush.
Dr. Mwaura affirmed that the government would liaise with the local administration to provide necessary support to those affected, even as he called for application of amicable ways to resolve the conflict.
“The government therefore urges all parties involved to prioritize dialogue within the confines of the law to resolve any outstanding issues in a fair, just and peaceable manner,” asserted the government spokesperson.
The levelling of over 90 houses in Nyama Villa has left thousands of families in the cold and sparked public outrage.
The private developer, Muthithi Real Estate Company, is said to have obtained court orders to demolish the houses after the owners defied plans to pay for the land, in a controversial land case that dates back to when retired President Uhuru Kenyatta was in power.