Demolitions by NMS along Kangundo road over disputed land leaves residents counting losses

NAIROBI,Kenya, July 10 – Running battles between locals and police in a fog of teargas characterized the better part of Saturday morning as residents of Umoja and Mowlem areas protested against what they termed as illegal demolitions carried out by the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS).

Residents and entrepreneurs along Kangundo road woke up to find their business premises destroyed despite no notice of eviction being issued.

The residents and traders accused police and the NMS of doing the bidding of an illegal private developer saying that their property and goods worth millions were destroyed for no apparent reason.

They further argued that they had acquired their land legally either through buying from the National Bank of Kenya and through other private entities and later provided with title deeds.

The demolitions were conducted at around 3am Saturday.

“I live by the road, that is when I had the bulldozers coming in, I bought my land through National Bank, why are they destroying our property. Also why are they coming at night to demolish people’s property? It is only that I shouted that my property was spared. Why is the government doing this to us?” said an aggrieved resident.

Many residents have been living and operating their businesses in the area for more than 20 years.

Traffic along Kangundo road and its environs was disrupted for several hours.

“We will not be intimidated, we will protect our property and those of our neighbours. We told police we have court orders to protect out property and then police say, this is just a piece of paper, surely? NMS, we want to say their are cartels in your midst. Do something Mr. Badi,” said another businessman.

Wrangles over the piece of land has been ongoing for years, with a local company claiming original ownership.

The same company, is also said to own at least 818 acres of disputed land across Umoja, Nasra area, Umoja 3 and Sossian area.

“Maybe what we now need is a mediator to address this issue. We are tired of Kenyans losing their property through demolitions all the time”

“When I came here I found my shop destroyed and also looters took advantage and robbed us of our wares,” said businessman.

Embakasi West member of parliament George Theuri accused the police and NMS of applying selective justice saying that only small trader’s shops were targeted during the demolitions.

“Whatever ever is happening here, we are wondering is there a court order? police said they came here to protect protesters but they actually started beating them. Several people claim ownership of this land, we want to know who is the real owner because how can people negotiate with several people that claim ownership…we have discussed this in parliament but we don’t have clear path. The government needs to provide solutions so that we protect people and their businesses.” said area MP Theuri.

Though bulldozers following hours of protest left the area, residents believe that they will return soon and continue where they left off.