Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has supported National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula on his stand against government’s plan to reposes the Kitale Prison land in Trans Nzoia County.
Speaking in Kitale, Wetangula assured the affected families that they will not be evicted from the land.
He further promised to use his position to convince President William Ruto to reconsider his decision to evict the families from the land.
“I will be at the forefront as your leader to talk to the president and other agencies to ensure that your issues are addressed,” said the Speaker.
“Ruto runs a political government which must always be conscious of the feelings of its supporters and voters. You cannot trample on them because there is tomorrow,” he added.
Sifuna Response to Wetangula’s Remarks
Following these remarks, Senator Sifuna praised the Speaker for standing firm on issues affecting the people of Kenya.
“I like this side of Weta (Wetangula), this newfound conscience when it comes to issues affecting Mwananchi is good to see,” wrote Sifuna on X.
The Senator declared his support for Wetangula on the issue emphasizing that the president must listen to Kenyans.
He further called out Ruto for lecturing Kenya Kwanza leaders who have advised him to heed the voices of the people.
“I was deeply embarrassed to see Ruto lecture you and other leaders at Nzoia Sugar when all you told him is to listen to the people. On this one I want you to know I support you 100%. Ruto cannot trample on our people. He must listen,” said Sifuna.
Also Read: Sifuna Sends Warning to Ruto Over Housing Levy
Ruto’s Eviction Order
Nonetheless, President Ruto ordered the eviction of grabbers of government land in Kitale on January 17 during his tour to the County.
The president said some cartels grabbed land which was meant for Kenya prisons hindering government plans to relocate the prison located in Kitale.
“There are some people who have grabbed that land. I want to give them a notice from Kitale to leave that land immediately,” the president stated.
Ruto noted that the relocation was necessary to allow plans to expand the town and allow investors to set up shop in the area.
Also Read: Furious Wetangula Blasts Raila, Offers Free Legal Advice
Housing Programme Demolitions
Thousands of other Kenyans in different parts of the country have had their houses demolished in the last few months.
In early 2024, around 3000 families were left homeless in Msambweni Estate in Taita Taveta County following government evictions.
Likewise, in late 2023, between 8,000 to 10,000 families were affected in Athi River demolitions, Mavoko Constituency after 10 demolitions that flattened homes at the East African Portland lands.
Several other demolitions have taken place including in Thika, Kakamega and Mombasa as the government creates a place for the affordable housing programme.
