Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria announces government’s plan to remove squatters from East Africa Portland Cement Company land, linking it to the recent vandalism on the Nairobi Expressway’s Mlolongo toll station during protests.
CS Moses Kuria has revealed the government’s intention to evict squatters from the East Africa Portland Cement Company land in Athi River, Machakos County. This move has been cited as the cause of the violence witnessed during Wednesday’s protests, particularly the vandalism at the Mlolongo toll station along the Nairobi Expressway.
In a tweet, CS Kuria attributed the Mlolongo incident to the eviction of illegal tenants from the company’s land, specifically mentioning Mavoko MP Patrick Makau’s involvement. Makau has since been arrested in connection with the vandalism.
Undeterred by resistance, CS Kuria emphasized the government’s determination to proceed with the squatter eviction, stating, “Today we will evict all illegal squatters. You can burn all you want but I will not be moved.“
The dispute over the East Africa Portland Cement Company land has been a longstanding issue, marked by numerous clashes and reported deaths as various parties lay claim to its ownership. The company aims to reclaim its land from individuals posing as squatters, some of whom allegedly sold portions of it to unsuspecting buyers.
Efforts to resolve the situation have been ongoing, including the company’s offer last year for squatters to obtain beacon certificates and purchase land plots. However, CS Kuria has been firm in his stance, vowing to demolish structures obstructing the company’s plans for expansion.