Hundreds of Kenyans could lose their jobs after unknown individuals descended on a factory in Mlolongo, within Machakos county and vandalized the property.
The management of Megvel Cartons Limited, on Saturday, August 12, blamed top government officials for the destruction, stating that at least 500 people who depend on the firm could lose their source of livelihood.
Further, the company claimed that the raid which started on Friday cost them millions of shillings.
While Megvel Cartons Limited maintains that law enforcement officers supervised the demolition, police in Mlolongo have denied any involvement.
The Friday demolition was the climax of a protracted land dispute, pitting two parties – a matter that is already in court.
During the raid, attackers are said to have handcuffed some of the night workers who were on duty, with Magvel Cartons maintaining that the raiders were in the company of police officers.
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It was also reported that the destruction continued Saturday with part of the property going up in flames, without intervention from the authorities.
Land Dispute in Court
Speaking to the press, Justus Obuya, a lawyer representing Megvel Cartons confirmed the land tussle between the current owner and another investor eyeing the property.
In addition, Obuya revealed that both the High Court and Environment Court had issued injunctions on the matter.
The lawyer claimed that an auctioneer obtained an eviction order at the magistrate court under miscellaneous application before Megvel Cartons got stay orders.
Moreover, Obuya, an advocate of the High Court of Kenya explained that the orders restrained the auctioneer from accessing the property.
The Court also directed Officer Commanding Police Station (OCS) in charge of Mlolongo police station to protect Megvel Cartons from any destruction.
“Pending the hearing of and determination of this application inter-partes the orders issued on June 30th be and is hereby stayed and that inter partes hearing on 15th August 2023,” the court order reads in part.
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Police Blamed for not acting
Similarly, the lawyer alleged that efforts to serve Mlolongo police station with the court order were futile and what followed was massive vandalism with the raiders setting ablaze part of the factory.
On his part, Mlolongo police boss Anderson Muriithi, stated that officers acted on earlier court orders which the auctioneers obtained.
“There was a court directive for us to maintain law and order as the auctioneers carry out their activities,” Muriithi.
The cop noted that he had reports of unknown individuals storming the factory and destroying property.
