The state has demolished former Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed’s home in Kakamega County to pave way for President William Ruto‘s affordable housing project.
Video footage seen by The Kenya Times on Wednesday January 20 showed bulldozers descending on the house located in Milimani Estate.
Additionally, locals were seen flocking to the compound to scramble for construction materials and scrap metals.
According to reports, a demolition crew arrived at the scene, knocking down the residence reportedly acquired by Amina’s brother in 2019.
The house’s caretaker further disclosed that the demolition began after the team gained access to the homestead through the fence.
On the other hand, witnesses at the scene lauded the move by the government noting that the proposed project will open opportunities for locals.
“I was shocked by the demolitions but I’m happy because we shall get jobs, we don’t have jobs.
As you can see, this land is about three hectares where the government will be able to build houses which will provide opportunities for us,” said a resident.
Home brought down despite pending case
Notably, the house was brought down despite an initial court order stopping the planned demolitions.
The Environment and Land Court in Kakamega had issued orders in October last year stopping the government from demolishing the posh house.
Furthermore, the orders were issued pending a hearing and determination of a suit filed by the registered owner Lucas Nandi Shamallah.
Also Read: Billionaire Rai’s Palatial Home Demolished to Pave Way for Ruto’s Project
Similarly, Billionaire Jaswant Singh Rai also suffered the same fate as the government demolished his posh Kakamega home in October 2023.
Following public outcry, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa distanced himself from the demolitions.
This was after a section of residents faulted the County Government for demolishing houses without notice.
“Regarding the ongoing demolitions of property in the Milimani area within Kakamega town, I wish to state that we were not part of those activities,” the Governor clarified.
Ruto on Housing project
The demolitions come after President William Ruto maintained that the affordable housing project is unstoppable despite a pending court decision due January 26, 2024.
Notably, the Head of State made the remarks while speaking on Tuesday, January 9, after laying the foundation for two affordable housing projects in Pioneer and Kapsuswa and areas in Uasin Gishu County.
Ruto noted, “We have no time to waste, there is no room for delay, there is no room for sabotage, this program is unstoppable,” he said.
Furthermore, the head of state remained adamant in his quest to construct 250,000 affordable housing projects across the country.
Also Read: Ruto Asks Govt Officials to Disobey Judges Slowing Housing and NHIF Reforms
Notably, the remarks by Ruto came in the midst of a scuffle between the Executive and Judiciary arms of the government.
Also, the president sustained his onslaught on the Judiciary noting that the government arm should not hide behind the veil of independence to sabotage government programs.
“The Judiciary’s independence does not extend to sabotage public interest to denying Kenyans their constitutional right,” said Ruto.
Ruto further said that it was unfair for a few individuals to plot and deny Kenyans job opportunities offered by the housing projects.
“We must deal firmly and decisively with corruption in the Judiciary. Nobody should tell us that the independence of the Judiciary will be used to deny the people their rights,” he added.
