Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has accused illegal squatters of vandalizing the Nairobi Expressway in Mlolongo on Wednesday, July 12.
In a statement on his Twitter account, the CS explained that the squatters vandalized the infrastructure after eviction from the East Africa Portland land.
“The violence in Mlolongo yesterday was because we evicted squatters from East Africa Portland land led by Mavoko MP Patrick Makau,” Kuria tweeted.
The trade CS made these remarks while downplaying Azimio’s role in the chaos that disrupted traffic flow along the busy highway.
Moreover, the CS threatened that they will evict all squatters from the land.
“Today we will evict all illegal squatters. You can burn all you want but I won’t be moved,” reads part of his statement.
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The East Africa Portland Company Squabble
Last year, CS Kuria announced plans to evict squatters from the company land, to pave way for the construction of the first Kenya cargo airport.
He threatened to “flatten” the illegal structures on the land, adding that they were interfering with the plans to expand the cash-strapped company.
The CS told the squatters to vacate the land as early as possible, threatening to use force if they refuse to leave.
State vs the people
Nonetheless, the back and forth between the East Africa Portland Cement Company remains a perennial issue.
The firm is fighting to reclaim its land from the ‘squatters’ some of whom allegedly sold its portions to unsuspecting buyers.
Moreover, the East Africa Portland Company in August 2022 offered the squatters Ksh. 100,000 and another Ksh.500,000 within a year to purchase 40 feet by 80 feet plot of land.
They planned to sell some parcels of the land to get funds to settle debts and revive the company.
Furthermore, Kuria’s sentiments came after protestors blocked the Mombasa Road on Wednesday, July 12, and vandalized metal grills separating the Expressway in Mlolongo.
Also Read: Azimio MP Arrested Over Wednesday Protests
Following the violent protests, police arrested Mavoko lawmaker Patrick Makau on the morning of Thursday, July 13.
However, detectives released the legislator, and he will return to the DCI offices on Friday, July 14 for further questioning.
