A confrontation erupted between police officers and residents of Munyeti Farm, Athi-River, Machakos County, on July 28, 2024, during a disputed demolition exercise. The incident involved a clash between angry locals and police, who were accused of harassment and intimidation while attempting to carry out evictions.
Disputed Land and Police Intervention
The police, reportedly from Nairobi jurisdiction, arrived in the village masked and armed, ordering the locals to vacate the land, claiming it belonged to a government entity. Residents, however, resisted the eviction attempts and blocked the officers, leading to a prolonged standoff. The confrontation continued for several hours before the officers withdrew.
Lack of Documentation and Official Orders
The police officers involved did not present any land ownership documents or court orders, merely stating they were following higher orders. This response aggravated the residents, who questioned the legality of the operation. Jackson Kasamu, a community spokesperson, criticized the officers for acting beyond their authority and asserted the residents’ rights to the land.
Allegations of Land Grabbing and Unlawful Actions
Residents of the 50-acre land claim to have lived there for decades and suspect that some government officials are using police to facilitate land grabbing. They are concerned about the lack of formal communication regarding the eviction and the absence of local police involvement. They also expressed distrust towards the external officers, alleging collusion with powerful figures to conduct illegal activities.
Appeal for Investigation
The locals have called on state agencies to investigate the individuals behind the eviction attempts and the use of police forces for intimidation. Samuel Maithia, a local resident, urged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to identify those responsible for mobilizing such a large police presence and invoking high-level names to justify the actions.
Response from Local Police Commander
Athi-River Sub-County Police Commander Jos Mudavadi stated he was unaware of the demolition plans and had not authorized the deployment of police officers for such operations. He assured residents of continued security and advised them to seek legal recourse for land disputes rather than taking matters into their own hands.
Broader Context of Land Disputes
The recent government demolition of land belonging to Portland Cement Company has intensified land disputes in the Mavoko area. Locals fear that similar intimidation tactics are being used by land grabbers, exacerbating conflicts over prime, undeveloped land near Nairobi.
