Residents of Kivae village of Kinanie location in Athi River on Thursday protested against alleged forceful evictions from their ‘ancestral land’.
They said have been severally attacked in their homes by people allegedly hired by a foreign investor who claims ownership of the land they live in.
The residents accused local authorities from the region of colluding with the investor to harass them claiming the attackers have never been arrested. They said that unknown people break into their homes, demolish houses and destroy property including crops actions which they say are meant to forcefully evict them from the land.
"They broke into my home at broad daylight, attacked my family and demolished my home after seriously injuring me," Elizabeth Mbula, a widow lamented.
The protesters who addressed the press at Kivae said several families whose homes had been attacked and houses demolished had sought refuge elsewhere.
Joseph Makau 83, moved with his family into a slum in Athi River after his home was demolished in a similar attack at night, crops and fruits destroyed in farm and livestock driven away by the same suspects.
“They took all my valuable property and destroyed the rest. Now I have nothing left to look after my family,” he said.
He says he had been living there since 1972 and knows no other home. He claimed to have recorded several statements on the matter at a police station in the region but no action had been taken.
“They just asked me to produce documentation for all the damages and stolen property,” he complains.
The residents said they feel neglected by the government and demanded prompt intervention to end the attacks and ensure victims are compensated.
During the demonstration named security officers who they believed were colluding with the assailants saying that they should be sacked.
Athi River Police boss Kizito Mutoro refuted claims that the unknown investor was colluding with security forces to evict locals.
Mutoro said the police was aware of the incidences which he referred to as normal criminal activities.
“No police officer is colluding to evict people in Kivae. These are normal criminal activities which we are keen on eliminating,” said Kibue.
He expressed confidence that the attackers would be brought to book.