More than 200 Makadara Estate residents within Athi River District living in houses belonging to the defiant Mavoko Municipal Council have dismissed a one month eviction notice issued to them by Machakos County government on Friday.
The residents claim that the notice period is short for them to get alternative houses, hence called on the county government to extend the period to enable them relocate.
Addressing the press in Athi River town today (Sunday), the residents, most of whom worked for the council before devolution, said they had lived in the houses for more than 50 years therefore could not move within a month as indicated in the notice that had been circulated to them.
Josephat Manga Ngalama, the area resident said the reason of eviction given by the county government was not convincing stating that they suspected foul play.
Ngalama said they suspect that the houses had been sold to a private investor hence demanded the county government to provide details of the contractor who had been issued with the tender to develop them.
"Residents have been served with 30 days notice, reason being; Machakos County government wants to build flats. We are not convinced, who is this developer,” said Ngalama.
Ngalama questioned where the county government would get money to facilitate the project if it is not able to complete some of its stalled projects such as Athi River Street lighting which he referred to as white elephant, pay contractors, its workers and facilitate facilities like hospitals and schools.
"We feel this is blackmailing residents of Mavoko, there is no list of the residents. The government officials should meet residents, carry tally, have details of the real occupants and then consider them in all aspects," urged Ngalama.
The residents said they would not move unless they were assured the county government would construct modern flats to accommodate the 200 occupants who are bound to be affected by the eviction.
Benard Nziro, Chairman of Bunge La Mwananchi Mavoko sub-county Chapter who also reacted to the given notice said that the county’s Ministry concerned should convene a meeting with the residents and negotiate for positive solution to end the srow which he noted would result into conflict between the county government and the victims if not amicably resolved.
Athi River Township MCA Michael Mutua termed the notice null and void arguing that eviction is a process and therefore residents cannot be served with one month notice.
"The notice is null and void, eviction is a process and one cannot wake up one day and tell people who have been occupying the houses for more than 50 years to vacate within 30 days,” said Mutua.
Mutua said the residents do not recognise the order, claiming that it is unconstitutional and against the Rent Tribunal Act, he threatened to mobilise the residents to protest against it alongside petitioning Machakos County Assembly to intervene for the public interest.