Ruiru: Angry Gikumari Residents Stone Gov't Earthmovers Constructing Roads On Their Land

• Chaos erupted in Gikumari village, Ruiru, Kiambu County, after an earthmover showed up to pave the way for road construction
• Unwilling to let the exercise continue, angry residents pelted stones at the vehicle, forcing the driver to speed off
• The residents allege that a private developer is seeking to evict them from the land they've occupied for over four decades

A simmering conflict over a prime land in Gikumari village, Ruiru, Kiambu Coun, ty has reached a boiling point as over 3,000 families face eviction over a contentious parcel of land.

It is alleged that an unidentified private developer is attempting to construct roads in the contested area.

Residents have occupied land for 40 years

A video doing rounds on social captured the angry resident hurling stones at the earthmover, forcing the driver to flee.

According to People Daily, the disputed land spanning over 23,000 acres has been home to thousands of residents for over four decades.

It has, however, become the focal point of a bitter dispute in recent times fueled by claims of illegitimate evictions.

Residents, whose properties straddle the Eastern Bypass and Juja Farm, assert they legally purchased the land several decades ago and possess all the necessary documentation to substantiate their ownership claims.

Tension over eviction allegations

The aggrieved property owners allege that influential figures plan to forcibly remove them from their homes to make way for high-rise developments.

Tensions escalated last month during a community meeting in Gikumari village that sought to set the records straight.

During the meeting, government officials led by Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Margaret Mbugua reportedly disparaged the authenticity of the residents' title deeds.

The officials allegedly declared that the residents were occupying the land illegally and would face eviction soon.

Deputy County Commissioner dismisses claims

The disgruntled property owners contend that they have been informed compensation will be offered to those with developed structures on the land.

However, individuals with undeveloped parcels were warned against constructing anything on their plots.

DCC Margaret Mbugua refuted claims of an impending eviction, asserting that she was unaware of any plans to remove the occupants.

The DCC maintained that the government was focused on improving the pathetic road infrastructure in the area.

“There are multiple cases of double allocations, but the matter is being handled by the relevant ministry,” stated the DCC.

Changamwe demolitions

In December 2023, it was business unusual for hundreds of tenants in the National Housing Corporation (NHC) houses in Changamwe.

This was after officials from the government entity descended on their houses and tore them down to pave the way for new ones.

According to the NHC, the master plan is to construct 9,000 high-rise residential units and commercial spaces for the government's affordable housing project.