Residents of Gachagi slums, located within the expansive Kakuzi Company Ltd land in Makuyu Ward in Murang’a South Sub county have called on the government to intervene and resolve a land settlement dispute that has dragged on for over a decade.
The dispute stems from a 2010 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Kakuzi Company and a section of the slum residents where the company agreed to set aside 10 acres of land to resettle 35 families living as squatters on its land.
However, to date, only 10 families have been officially settled, while the remaining 25 continue to live in dire conditions.
Speaking during a community meeting held at the heart of the slums on Saturday, the residents, led by their Chairman Michael Mburi, expressed their deep frustration and sense of betrayal.
They called on both the local leadership and national government to intervene and push the horticultural company to fulfil the promise made to them.
“We are tired of empty promises and meetings that lead nowhere,” said Mburi, adding, “We entered into an agreement with Kakuzi Company in good faith.”
“Why then, over a decade later, are some of us still living in muddy, makeshift houses, putting our lives at risk of contracting all sorts of diseases?” Posed the Chairman.
The Gachagi slum is characterised by overcrowded structures made from iron sheets and timber, poor drainage systems and minimal access to clean water and sanitation services.
The residents decry that every time it rains, their houses are flooded, and many families are forced to sleep standing or seek shelter from neighbours.
“We have no clean water to drink or cook with, and no proper place to relieve ourselves,” lamented Victoria Ndumi, an elderly woman who has lived in Gachagi for decades.
“When we fall sick, we can’t access proper medical care, and the few nearby facilities are overwhelmed or too far to reach in time. And when someone dies, there’s no land to bury the remains; we’re forced to lay our loved ones to rest on county council land. It’s heartbreaking. We are living like people who have been forgotten.” Ndumi added.
The residents further alleged that Kakuzi Company has intensified surveillance in recent years, deploying drones over the area as they interpret this as an act of intimidation, suggesting the company is attempting to discourage further demands from the squatters.
They also criticised their area MP Mary Waithira Wamaua for what they perceive as silence and inaction on the matter.
They claimed she was part of earlier discussions, alongside the area Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) and other government officials, where they had been assured of a permanent solution.
In response to the growing public concern, Kakuzi Company’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Simon Odhiambo, issued a written statement acknowledging the 2010 MoU and confirming that 10 acres had indeed been earmarked to settle the squatters.
“Over the years, a mutually agreed-upon MoU has been in place between the residents of Gachagi village and Kakuzi. The MoU permits specific community members who are parties to the agreement to occupy a portion of our land, measuring 10 acres, in consideration of an annual fee and adherence to outlined conditions.” Stated Odhiambo.
He continued, “Recently, a section of Gachagi residents have challenged this MoU, and the matter is currently before both the National Land Commission (NLC) and the Courts, where we await determination.”
Addressing the issue of surveillance, Kakuzi defended the use of drones and other technology-based systems, stating they are essential to curb rising cases of theft, attacks on workers, and vandalism in their orchards.
When contacted for comment, MP Wamaua admitted she had participated in previous engagements between the company and the community. She pledged to revisit the matter.
As the calls for justice grow louder, Gachagi residents hope that this time, their plight will not be swept under the rug. They are demanding not just land, but respect, dignity, and accountability.
By Bernard Munyao and Catherine Kamunyo
