CS Kuria says gov't to evict all illegal squatters from Athi River after Mlolongo chaos

Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria now says the government throw out all squatters from the East Africa Portland Cement Company land in Athi River, Machakos County.

“The violence in Mlolongo yesterday was because we evicted squatters from East Africa Portland land led by Mavoko MP Patrick Makau,” the CS said in a tweet Thursday morning, referring to the area’s MP whom detectives have since arrested in connection with the vandalism.

Makau was arrested in the wee hours of Thursday at his home in Karen, Nairobi. His house was raided at 4 am, where detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) took him to the directorate's offices in Kiambu.

But CS Kuria said the government will not relent on the move despite any form of resistance from the local community.

“Today we will evict all illegal squatters. You can burn all you want but sibanduki,” he added.

The tussle for the East Africa Portland Cement Company land has been the subject of contention for years now, with tens of deaths reported as various groups battle for its ownership.

EAPCC has said it seeks to reclaim its land from invasion by individuals posing as squatters, some of whom allegedly sold its portions to unsuspecting buyers.

In August last year, the company offered the squatters an option to pay Ksh.100,000 for a beacon certificate and another Ksh.500,000 within a year to purchase a 40 feet by 80 feet plot of land.

The firm put three parcels measuring 709 acres up for sale in a bid to raise funds to settle debts and turn around the company.

Then in November, CS Kuria vowed to "flatten" structures erected by squatters on the land, saying they were hampering plans to expand the cash-strapped company.

He advised the squatters to start vacating as early as possible, warning them that if they fail to heed the caution, he would use force.

But his comments were met with opposition from Machakos leaders, including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti, and Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko.

They told off the CS for meddling in a matter he did not fully comprehend, claiming the cement company was plotting to grab the land from the local community.

- ‘Lawlessness and impunity’-

Wednesday’s demonstrations were called by the opposition to picket President William Ruto’s administration against the skyrocketing cost of living.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki castigated opposition chief Raila Odinga for being the "architect of today’s lawlessness and impunity," while referring to the former prime minister as the poster boy for violent politics.

Kindiki added that persons who partook in the demonstrations, both directly and indirectly, will be dealt with in accordance with the law.  

At least nine people are reported to have died in the protests, including four in Mlolongo, two in Kitengela and one in Emali in Makueni County.

Aftermath of the mayhem on the Nairobi Expressway #MaandamanoWednesday pic.twitter.com/429cnO1zA6