Azimio leader Raila Odinga has criticised the government over the eviction of 3,000 people from Msambweni in Taita Taveta County which occurred early on Saturday morning.
While hitting out at President William Ruto over what he termed as forceful evictions, the former Prime Minister revealed that he had spoken to leaders in Voi in a bid to find an amicable solution to the matter.
"I have taken time to speak to different categories of community leaders in Voi and they have assured of their commitment to finding a solution that is acceptable to all parties to the dispute," Raila noted.
“We therefore call on the government to immediately stop the demolitions currently underway in Voi and any other part of the country."
According to the opposition leader, the community had earlier asked the government to compensate them for land acquired by the State for the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to enable them to settle elsewhere but the pleas fell on deaf ears.
The eviction which kicked off on Saturday morning involved a contingent of police officers who invaded the area in the company of a demolition squad that has so far brought down several homes on a disputed piece of land.
“As the community prepared to meet this afternoon, demolition started early in the morning. The entire leadership of the National Government Administration Officers in the county has refused to respond to distress calls of residents and instead gone into hiding," Raila remarked.
"We remind Mr. William Ruto that during the campaigns, he promised that forceful evictions and demolition of dwellings would be a thing of the past. Ruto promised that where necessary, affected people would be provided with enough notice and compensation promptly paid."
According to the Azimio leader, the evictions are taking place amidst the difficult economic times, and just when parents prepare to send their children to school on Monday.
"Kenyans have so much burden to carry in the New Year. Losing a home should not be added to their burdens. The government needs to have feelings and empathy for the people," read part of a statement by Raila.
"The times are too tough, the needs too pressing, and the weather too harsh for anyone to lose a home in the hands of the government."
