The County Assembly of Machakos has passed a motion to fight for the victims of Mavoko demolitions, who lost their properties within hours of President Ruto’s speech.
The motion calls for the county assembly to be enjoined in the appeal against East Africa Portland Cement Company, which was awarded ownership of the contested land, leading to the demolitions.
The motion also seeks compensation for the victims of the demolitions, and demands that administration of the land in Syokimau and Mlolongo wards be done in Machakos rather than in Nairobi.
Furthermore, the County government is seeking a clear definition of boundaries between the counties of Machakos and Nairobi to avoid administration clashes.
Machakos County Governor Wavinya Ndeti lauded the county assembly for swiftly passing the motion, adding that, “As a County Government we will do everything to ensure justice for our people and the safeguarding of their basic Human Rights.”
Wavinya earlier called out Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for being silent amidst the Mavoko demolitions. She criticized the DP for double standards, since he condemned past demolitions in Nyandarua and Nakuru counties.
Stephen Mwanthi, Machakos County Assembly Deputy Speaker added, ” We have seen recently the Deputy President in Nakuru speaking on an incident similar to this one in Athi River. We haven’t seen him speak for the people of Athi River.
“So we are asking ourselves and we are wondering, is there a difference between the residents of Nakuru and residents of Machakos?
“If he saw evil being done to Nakuru residents, then what is happening in Machakos is also evil,” said the Deputy Speaker.
The county leaders criticized Ruto’s government for allowing injustice against the hustlers they promised to take care of in their bottom-up manifesto.
Ukambani leaders, led by Azimio principal Raila Odinga and Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, were on Tuesday denied entry into the area where the demolitions have been happening.
The Mavoko demolitions started after Ruto ordered that the Ministry of Land revoke titles of land that had remained undeveloped in Athi River for over 10 years.
