Days after facing demolitions, residents of Mavoko in Machakos County on Thursday demonstrated over what they termed as an alleged plot by a wealthy businessman to grab public land in the area.
The angry residents matched to Joska Police Station in Mavoko accusing a senior detective from the area of colluding with the tycoon.
Armed with an authentic map of the area, the residents accused security officers of repeatedly hindering their efforts to protect social amenities.
The protestors further called on Machakos County leadership to ensure that the land is recovered and designated for public use.
"We have come here to defend this land. This is a public utility divided into; a nursery school, public health centre and church,” the protestors remarked.
The residents remarked that for over two decades, the land had been set aside for social amenities until a few weeks ago.
“Any time, this land will be grabbed. Machakos County should ensure that the land is used for what it had initially been intended,” one of the local leaders stated.
Authorities from Joska Police Station did not immediately state the measures that will be taken to protect the land from similar attempted grabs heading into the future.
Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti did not comment on whether her administration would take action on the alleged land grabber.
Politicians from the Ukambani region led by Wavinya Ndeti had accused President William Ruto’s administration of demolishing houses in the Portland area in Mavoko to pave the way for land grabbing.
“It is disappointing that the process was rushed even though there were ongoing discussions between me and President William Ruto on the matter,” she started in October amid demolitions.
Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka in support of Wavinya Ndeti stated that since the East Africa Portland Cement lease had run out, the land should be reverted to the Machakos County Government.
