A land dispute has stirred turmoil in Kayole's Patanisho area, affecting over 50 families.
Amidst claims of land grabbing and forced evictions, residents are appealing for intervention, from President William Ruto, his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua, Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome, and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
Edwin Wanyoike, a resident, lamented in a press conference on Friday, March 15, "Those servants, our dear governor, have no regard for due process and are clearly hell-bent that justice is defeated at all costs to the haggling of your faithful electorate on the ground."
The residents reported facing intimidation and threats from unknown individuals who forcibly erected fences and began constructing structures on their land.
Stephen Mbogo, another resident of Patanisho, articulated, "They claim to be supported by government officials. As we are speaking, they are continuing to build. We have complained, but nobody is coming to our aid."
The situation escalates against a backdrop of recurrent land controversies, exemplified by recent events involving Jesus is Alive Ministries (JIAM) owned by Bishop Margaret Wanjiru.
The parcel of land, subject to a long-standing ownership dispute with Kenya Railways Corporation, witnessed forceful demolitions by unknown persons, sparking outcry from Wanjiru and drawing attention to allegations of government betrayal.
"I was not campaigning for land grabbers to come and start claiming that our church properties are their properties," lamented Wanjiru, highlighting the broader ramifications of land disputes on religious institutions and community stability.
Similarly, televangelist Apostle James Ng'ang'a has been facing scrutiny over the ownership of the Neno Evangelism Centre church land.
The plot, part of a larger probe by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), has raised questions about transparency and accountability in land transactions. Ng'ang'a's claim of purchasing the land for Ksh42 million from the Central Bank of Kenya adds complexity.
Governor Johnson Sakaja's revelations about recovering 600 parcels of grabbed land last year indicate efforts towards rectifying such issues but the persistence of disputes suggests deeper systemic problems requiring urgent attention.
Stephen Mbogo, another resident of Patanisho, rehashed residents' determination to seek justice, stating, "We are going to fight to the high office."
