Azimio leader Raila Odinga has asked President William Ruto’s government to stop forceful evictions and demolition of property across the country.
In a statement on January 6, Raila expressed his concerns on the recent streak of demolitions experienced across the country.
In particular, the former Prime Minister decried the manner in which the government handled a land dispute in Voi that saw thousands of people affected.
Raila said that a demolition squad escorted by police officers invaded over 3000 residents of Msambweni in Voi on Saturday morning.
According to the former Prime Minister, the squad has so far brought down several homes on a disputed piece of land in the Constituency.
In his statement, the ODM leader said that the government under President William Ruto was aware of the dispute but did not put enough measures to address it.
“The dispute over this land had been brought to the attention of the highest level of government, including President Ruto who in turn tasked the elected leaders to come up with a resolution,” he stated.
Besides, Raila explained that he had spoken to different community leaders in Voi who pledged to find a solution.
He said the government has failed to compensate the community members for land acquired by the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to enable them buy alternative settlements.
“The entire leadership of the National Government Administration Officers in the county has refused to respond to distress calls of residents and instead gone into hiding,” stated Raila.
Have Sympathy-Raila
Additionally, the ODM leader empathized with those affected, adding that they have been hit hard by the difficult economic times.
He also called on the government to sympathize with Kenyans whom he says are overburdened.
“Government needs to have feelings and empathy for the people. The times are too tough, the needs too pressing, and the weather too harsh for anyone to lose a home in the hands of the government,” explained Raila.
Also Read: Raila Gives Ruto 4 Demands on School Fees
Keep Campaign Promise
In addition, Raila reminded Ruto of his campaign promise to stop forceful evictions and demolition of dwellings.
“We therefore call on the government to immediately stop the demolitions currently underway in Voi and in any other part of the country,” he said.
“Ruto promised that where necessary, affected people would be provided with enough notice and compensation promptly paid.”
The opposition leader said the victims of such evictions are waiting for Ruto to keep his word.
He appealed to humanitarian organizations and human rights bodies to provide basics and pursue justice to those affected in Voi.
Affordable Housing Demolitions
His statement came against the backdrop of demolitions for various reasons including a drive by the state to implement the affordable housing plan.
The affordable housing project has led to several demolitions and evictions in different parts of the country.
Latest demolitions happened in Eldoret where more than 1,000 tenants were evicted from Pioneer Estate on January 4, 2024.
Reports indicated the demolitions were meant to give space for the launch of affordable housing projects in the region.
However, the families protested the evictions from the estate which has been their home for over 30 years.
Further, they protested that the eviction was abrupt with no official notices issued to vacate.
Also Read: Govt Takes Back Prime Properties Next to Affordable Housing Units
Similar demolitions were also witnessed in Murang’a county in November 2023.
A contractor demolished properties established on a five-acre site at the Makenji area in Kandara Constituency.
The land near the Thika Kenol-Sagana highway was identified in 2021 by former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration for the project but had been issued out to members of the community to farm for decades.
In the same month, there were similar demolitions at the Milimani Estate in Kakamega town to pave way for an upcoming affordable housing project.
