Kakamega: Houses in posh Milimani estate demolished at dawn

The demolitions happened on Tuesday morning – leaving a trail of destruction and disrupting families and livelihoods.

There are unconfirmed reports that the residents had been given notice to vacate the land whose lease is alleged to have expired.

A group of youths are said to have stormed the estate after getting wind of the demolitions and began rummaging through the debris – and carting away valuables from the demolished houses.

Police who were at the scene supervising the demolition were forced to fire teargas canisters in an attempt to contain the mob.

Isaack Too, a security guard in the estate, said the demolitions started at 3am.

“The bulldozers came at dawn and started demolishing houses from around the roundabout area and moving deep into the estate. Many house have been demolished,” said Too.

He added that: “A lot of property has been looted. The residents are trying to protect whatever is left from being stolen after youths stormed the estate and began looting.”  

Ahmed Muluma, a resident of the area, termed the demolitions an inhuman act.

“These are difficult times. You don’t demolish houses just like that. At least the government should have given them more time to vacate, or even police protection to ensure their property are not stolen,” said Muluma – noting that he saw people carting away fridges, TV sets and seats stolen from the demolished houses.  

Affected families are asking the government for help.