Chaos in Eldoret as youth demolish MCA's properties over alleged land grabbing

Chaos erupted in the Kipkaren area of Eldoret on Thursday as irate youth demolished several buildings and businesses belonging to Kipkenyo Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) David Leting, whom they accuse of abusing power to enrich himself.

Residents claim the structures, which include rental houses and a car wash, were built on grabbed public land meant for a market and a shopping centre.

Citizen Digital visited the area where the sound of crashing stone and falling timber replaced the usual mid-morning calm in Kipkaren, as residents turned their fury on several buildings they claim stand on land grabbed by their ward representative.

“Alikuwa amekuja kujenga mahali soko ilipaswa kukua pia wananchi wakajibomolea wakachukua, mahali anaishi amejenga rentals ni mahali ambapo kwa map inaonyesha kuwa ni public land,” said a resident Joel Ontieri.

Residents allege that the land, designated for a public market and community utilities, has been systematically encroached upon. They claim that efforts to seek government intervention fell on deaf ears, leaving them with no option but to act.

“Naomba tu serikali na korti wasikuwe compromised kama mali ni ya umma irudishiwe kwa umma, tumechagua MCA anatuibia, mali ya uma irudi, tunataka shopping centre, market centre, and car wash,” stated Japheth Kuya.

For the youth, the demolition was not just destruction, but an attempt to reclaim what they say rightfully belongs to them and future generations.

“Kila mahali anaenda yeye ni kugrab, kila mahali ni kugrab leo hii tumechukua tumeamua kurudisha yetu,” Stephen Onyango said.

However, MCA Leting has dismissed the claims, presenting himself as a victim of lawlessness. He insists his documents are in order and that he followed all legal procedures to develop the land.

“Shamba yangu ikona title na shamba ni yangu na mimi huwa nalipa rates, nililipa clearance, nikapewa plan ya kujenga nilishangaa sana kuona nyumba zangu zinabomolewa,” he explained.

In a surprising admission, the MCA acknowledged that a car wash on the site was built on an open public space, but said it was intended to benefit local youth.

“Kulikuwa tu na open space yenye ilikuwa imebaki hapo nikajenga carwash, hata sina objection na hiyo nilikuwa nawajengea ikuwe yao,” the MCA added.

Despite his explanation, the damage is done, with the rubble now symbolising deep-seated mistrust between leaders and residents in Uasin Gishu.

Residents have vowed to occupy the land until the government officially reverts it to public use, while the MCA says he will pursue legal action over the destruction of his property.