Residents of Olive Inn in Kiamunyi have protested the alleged grabbing and encroachment of a public land by a prominent businessmen in the area.
The man allegedly also grabbed a road reserve.
Speaking to the press on Saturday, the residents claimed that Philip Maina, had taken over the land estimated to be half an acre which majority of the residents .
The area, which was fenced on Thursday last week, was a resting point for majority of the villagers and a applying field for children en route from school.
“We would like the government to investigate the land issue as many of the land in the area has been taken away by unscrupulous businessmen leaving us with no public land. We have seen beacons marked on the land and yet he had the audacity to build over them,” said Steve Gitukia, a resident.
Gitukia pointed out that they have tried to consult with the businessman, who had dismissed their pleas.
Patrick Muchiri said Maina should have consulted with the residents before undertaking the initiate.
“He did not have to interfere with the piece of land which we normally use for recreation,” he added.
Area assistant Chief Elijah Njoroge said they were handling the issue.
“We are already looking into all the relevant documents to ensure that the land in question is safeguarded and we already have been talking to the owner to get the right documentation,” he added
Contacted on the phone, Maina said the fencing and the putting of iron sheet was only temporary as he wanted to construct a five star hotel.
“I have all the relevant documents form the Ministry of Lands as I had explained that I needed to seal the place so that I could pour out the materials I would need for construction,” he added.