Two people in Isiolo County are nursing injuries after police officers opened fire at a crowd during demonstrations on the morning of Sunday, August 22.
The residents of Mwangaza area clashed with police officers to protest eviction from a private land they claimed they owned.
During the protests, the residents torched an excavator and truckload that were carrying out demolitions in the area.
They lit bonfires along the highway, blocked the road with stones and destroyed property of unknown value during the demonstrations.
They further accused Isiolo County Government of siding with the developer although they had lived on the parcel for many years.
Witnesses indicated that the demolition exercise kicked off as early as 3 a.m.
"When they came to demolish, they arrived at 3 a.m. while we were still asleep with the children. We have never seen the person who claims he owns this land. All the officers always show up at night," stated a victim.
Another victim claimed that the community had obtained a court order blocking the developer but he has largely ignored the directive
"There is a court order. No person should come here. What do not know the methods he is using to come and demolish our property all the time. We are wondering what is happening," added another.
Elsewhere, there is tension building in Mlolongo Machakos County pitting Masai Community against individuals the community claims are out to grab the parcel.
The community claimed that it has been receiving eviction threats from the shadowy figures seeking to gain control of the 38-acre parcel.
During the demonstration on Sunday, the community's leaders disclosed that the threats began in 2020 when the individuals laid claim to the land.
"I am here permanently and this is my land. I was born here and I am not here temporarily. They come here every day to kick us out. Where should we go to?
"This is our land, We are not squatters. We are Kenyans and we have were born and schooled here," stated Benjamin Kayiaka, the Masai Community chairman.
