Nyama Villa demolitions: Residents plead for Gov't intervention as more houses brought down

More families have been left homeless in Kayole's Nyama Villa estate as bulldozers continued to bring down more homes.

Desperate residents are now appealing to the government to intervene and save them from the private developer as demolitions continued on the second day.

Over 90 houses have so far been demolished in the area, leaving tens of families homeless. The controversial demolition, which dates back to the reign of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, is being carried out by the landowner, who obtained an eviction order from the courts.

The developer, referred to as Muthithi Real Estate Company, is said to have issued the demolition orders to those who defied the plan to pay for the land.

"Watu wanaitwa Muthithi kulingana na koti ndio wenye hii shamba. Walipata watu wameuza shamba wakaamua kuongea na watu walipe, wengine walilipa na wengine wakakataa. Ndiyo unaona kunabomolewa," explained a resident.

Even as the homeowners frantically tried to salvage what they could, the young men saw it as an opportunity to harvest scrap metal, which they call "chembo," to sell and earn an income.

"Hatuna kazi sisi kama vijana, kama hii unaweza kupata kama kilo ni shilingi 40," said a youth.

Another added, "Asubuhi nimeweza kulipa na nashukuru Muthithi amekubali kitu kidogo nimeweza kumuwekea, isipokuwa hapa penye iligongwa asubuhi. Tulishikwa na kizungumkuti asubuhi.”