In a recent statement, activist Boniface Mwangi discussed the main cause of land disputes in Athi River, pointing to leaders collaborating with land cartels.
According to Mwangi, some genuine landowners in Athi River have been unlawfully evicted from their properties, with their land subsequently fenced, divided, and sold.
Mwangi, who is also a landowner in Athi River, stated, “I can confirm that certain leaders, in cooperation with land cartels, sold stolen land to unsuspecting buyers.”
He expressed his concern that when such cases are reported to the authorities, no action is taken, and instead, they demand money without resolving the issue.
Mwangi was surprised that no arrests have been made in connection with the sale of stolen lands. He highlighted the plight of genuine landowners who receive death threats and are forced to leave, while corrupt officials issue new land titles.
He questioned whether the individuals involved in this land cartel would face prosecution or continue to deceive innocent buyers.
Mwangi also suggested that punishing innocent land buyers while failing to prosecute the criminals indicates collusion between the police, Ministry of Lands employees, and the cartels.
These remarks were made following the demolitions at East African Portland Cement, where many land buyers faced the destruction of their houses.
In a recent ruling on October 9, the Environment and Land Court in Machakos dismissed a court case filed by ‘Aimi ma Lukenya,’ who claimed ownership of 4,298 acres of prime land. The court cited a failure to serve documents to the defendants as ordered.
Subsequently, bulldozers demolished numerous homes at the ‘Aimi ma Lukenya’ settlement scheme in Mavoko Constituency, sparking condemnation from various leaders.
Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti vowed to challenge the High Court ruling and labeled the demolitions as a form of state brutality and a violation of the affected people’s rights.
She expressed her disappointment with the lack of notice given to those affected, and noted that discussions were ongoing between her and President William Ruto on the matter.
