Mavoko Member of Parliament Patrick Makau addressed the media after appearing before the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) for grilling over the Portland Cement land saga.
According to the legislator, he was being crucified for defending innocent people.
In his address, he also pointed out how he stood with the victims after the state unleashed bulldozers and a contingent of armed officers on the disputed property.
“I have no planning department, and that is why, when my constituents called me, that their houses were being demolished, I went there,” Makau clarified.
MP Makau went on to note that the government had institutions that must be held responsible.
“I don’t want to point a finger at anybody, but it is very unfair” He went on to state, decrying the evictions.
Alongside him was Makueni Senator, Daniel Maanzo. Senator Maanzo also called out the demolitions in the Mavoko land saga, claiming that the demolitions were unlawful.
“People’s homes have been destroyed. The current government has promised that such unlawful evictions should not be accorded to Kenyans.” He stated.
“There is a constitution that protects Kenyans and there is a right of appeal so before you rush to damage a property.” Senator Maanzo also noted on the issue.
DCI summoned Makau alongside former police bosses and others over the disputed Mavoko land.
In a statement on Tuesday, October 17, DCI said the individuals were among people the agency believed had information that may assist with the investigations.
“These individuals are hereby directed to report to the officer in charge of Land Fraud Investigations Unit at DCI Headquarters tomorrow, October 18 at 8am.”
Further, detectives summoned registrars of Land Charles Ngetich, S.C Njoroge and G.G Gachihi.
Also Read: DCI Summons 30 People Over Mavoko Land Dispute [LIST]
Portland Company on Mavoko demolitions
However, Portland cement company managers came out to state that they had earlier warned residents over settling the land dispute early enough.
“Before and after court ruling, East African Portland Cement director appealed to illegal invaders to vacate the land and provided a grace period for them to retrieve their belongings.” East Africa Portland stated.
The cement firm went ahead to blame land buyers pointing out that the warnings to the landowners had been conveyed through multiple channels.
Also Read: Portland Cement: We Warned Them and Gave Them Time to Move
“These messages were conveyed through multiple channels including public notices, media and engagement with local administration,” stated the company representatives.
Additionally, on October 13, President William Ruto announced that he had given instructions to the Ministry of Lands to revoke title deeds for lands in Athi river.
The lands targeted were those that had remained unutilized for over 10 years and above.
Moreover, the presidential directive followed a court ruling that declared the land a property of Portland Cement.
