- The victims said they hold genuine title deeds for the land and they were issued to them during former President Mwai Kibaki's regime.
- She said plot number 285 which had a case in court is the one that the tycoon got an eviction order and not the areas houses were demolished.
Image: ALPHONCE GARI
More than 200 families were left homeless after their homes were demolished in Msabaha area of Malindi subcounty, Kilifi county.
On Thursday, the angry resident protested against the demolition.
They claimed that a tycoon accompanied by security personnel, raided the village at 3am and demolished all the buildings.
The victims said they hold genuine title deeds for the land and they were issued to them during former President Mwai Kibaki's regime.
Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi and Ganda MCA Oscar Wanje were among the leaders who rushed to the scene to console the families.
They condemned the demolition which they said happened despite a pending case coming up for hearing on November 7.
Elisha Gona, a victim said the tycoon aided by heavily armed security personnel raided their home at 3 am and ordered everyone out before graders demolished all the buildings.
He said there were no eviction order.
“We want President William Ruto to intervene and resolve this matter amicably because what is happening here is an injustice,” he said.
Image: ALPHONCE GARI
Kadenge Nyanje an elderly man who has lived in the area since 1963 said his father bought the land in 1950 and no one has ever come to claim ownership.
He wondered how a tycoon would come and claim the land yet he had no title deed.
“I took a loan to construct a modern house but now it has been demolished yet I have a huge loan to pay,” he said.
He said the government should confirm if the title deeds in they hold are fake.
Kadzo Thoya, a widow said her and her children were tortured by the police as their house was being demolished.
She wondered how such injustice could be meted oh her yet she has a title deed for the land.
“My two grandchildren fainted and now am left alone with a lot of problems I do not know where to go and how I will survive sleeping in the cold,” she said.
Myanzi revealed that they had a meeting with lawyers from both parties who said they were not aware of the eviction.
She said the eviction was illegal and unacceptable adding that there were cartels behind the inhumane evictions.
“Why were there demolitions for my people in Malindi and if there are any cartels involved let them be warned that this must come to an end," she said.
She said plot number 285 which had a case in court is the one that the tycoon got an eviction order and not the areas houses were demolished.
“I want justice for my people this case will not end here if I don't get an explanation, I will take the matter forward,” she said.
Wanje said lawyers were not served nor did the residents get any notice of eviction.
“It's sad that the police came at night when the women and children were asleep and begun demolishing houses, we condemn the inhumane act,” he said.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)
Image: ALPHONCE GARI