Family left homeless after armed men demolish three houses in Kisumu land dispute

A family from Gwada village in Kisumu East has been left homeless after armed men allegedly stormed their compound and destroyed their houses in a land ownership dispute.

The armed men were captured on camera demolishing three houses sitting on a disputed 1.8-acre piece of land, leaving the family seeking protection from police amid fears of further attacks.

At the homestead of Morris Odhiambo, household items were scattered across the compound, while the damaged walls of the houses told the story of the destruction the family says it was subjected to on Monday afternoon.

Amateur footage captured the armed men storming the compound, destroying property and allegedly harassing the occupants.

“Hakuna maumivu ilitokea ijapokuwa vifaa ndio sasa walivunja…viti, televisheni na zingine…wakazibeba wakaenda nazo,” Odhiambo stated.

Lorna Odhiambo stated that she was threatened after she attempted to record the incident on her phone.

“Nilikuwa nashika video, akasema, ‘Wewe usijaribu kunishika video.’ Akasema, ‘Naweza kukushoot.’ Kidogo akatoa pistol akanionyesha, akasema, ‘Wewe naweza kukushoot,’” Lorna stated.

The family is caught up in a land ownership dispute involving a 1.8-acre piece of land that is currently before the Court of Appeal in Kisumu.

The latest incident has left Odhiambo and his family fearing for their safety, with the family now forced to spend nights outside their homes.

“Hao wahuni hata jana walisema ati wanaenda lakini watarudi kutumaliza. Sasa naomba serikali yetu itupatie usalama mimi na watu wangu kwa sababu tunaishi tu hapa nje,” Odhiambo stated.

Market Milimani MCA Seth Kanga called for investigations and the arrest of those behind the destruction.

“The rule of law must be respected at all times. The DCI should investigate and arrest the people who did this thing at Odhiambo’s home,” Kanga stated.

The family is now seeking refuge under the trees, uncertain of what the future holds as they await police intervention and the outcome of the land dispute.