A wave of tensions has risen in Makuyu after residents raised alarm over threats of eviction from a 39-acre parcel of land.
The residents are accusing the Ministry of Lands of planning development projects without involving the local community through public participation.
Speaking during a public forum convened on part of the disputed land on Wednesday, the residents vowed to resist any attempts to evict them, emphasizing that they have lived on the land for decades.
The land, located opposite the Makuyu Affordable Housing Project, houses more than 130 families.
“This land is our home. We were born here, and our children go to school here. Evicting us without proper consultation will destroy our lives. I have lived on this land for over 67 years,” said on Jane Wambui.
“We built our homes with our own hands and this is the only place we call home. No one should just come and take them away,” she added.
Peter Gachanja, a resident of 20 years, added: “We were never consulted about these development plans. The government must respect our rights and involve us in every decision that affects our homes. We are not moving an inch until due process is followed”.
They narrated the challenges they would face if evicted, with Samuel Kariuki, a father of four, saying, “Our children attend schools nearby. If we are removed from this land, they will lose access to education, and our livelihoods will be destroyed. We have nowhere else to go”.
Grace Wanjiru, who has lived on the land for over 30 years, added, “We demand transparency. No one should be displaced without proper legal procedures and community consultation. We will defend our homes and ensure our voices are heard”.
Maragua area Member of Parliament Mary Waithera (Wamaua) urged for calm and assured residents of her support.
“The Constitution, the Land Act, and the Physical and Land Use Planning Act require public participation when preparing a Physical Development Plan,” she said.
“The fact that residents were not engaged is a violation of these laws. We have unanimously rejected the proposed plan until full legal compliance is ensured,” she noted.
Wamaua took a swipe at the Ministry of Lands under Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome for allegedly pushing forward development projects without proper engagement.
“We will not allow individual interests to override the greater interests of the people of Makuyu and any attempt to evict residents without following the law will be resisted,” she emphasized.
She however, pointed out that the community was not opposed to development.
“Makuyu KMTC will be built on part of this land and the project, worth over Sh400 million, will boost the economy of the area as the students will need hostels, salons, food joints, and other services”. The land also hosts a slaughterhouse which contributes to local trade.
Wamaua urged residents to support development initiatives, highlighting the impact of the Makuyu Affordable Housing Project, which has employed thousands of youths and created business opportunities in the area.
“We can develop Makuyu and protect residents’ rights at the same time. We are not against progress, but the process must respect the law and involve the people,” she added.
Officials from the national government led by DCC Murang’a South Bernard Odino assured residents that the development plans would be reviewed to reflect community needs and legal requirements.
“The government is committed to working with residents to ensure that any development benefits the people without violating their property rights,” the DCC said.
By Florence Kinyua
