The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Residents occupying the disputed East African Portland Cement Company (EAPCC) land in Athi River, Mavoko Constituency, are living in constant fear of demolitions and harassment, citing intimidation by police and individuals allegedly connected to Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB).
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Some of the squatters, who claim to have settled on the land as early as 2009, say they are facing increasing pressure and threats, even as KCB leads a land regularisation process in the area.
On Wednesday, several residents described incidents where police officers reportedly accompanied unknown individuals who damaged property, including gates, and threatened owners—all without court orders.
Geoffrey Matheka, one of the affected landowners, decried what he termed as an exploitative and confusing process, appealing directly to President William Ruto for intervention.
“Portland asked for Ksh.600,000 to Ksh.700,000 per plot, now KCB is demanding Ksh.1.6 million. This is more than double. Mr. President, please step in. We don’t want to be mistreated by police. You promised they would protect us from cartels, not harass us,” he said.
Bonface Muema, who operates a hotel in the area, said his business was raided by police under unclear circumstances, leaving staff and customers in fear.
“We arrived to find the place sealed off by police, who claimed a plot in the area hadn’t been paid for. They broke the gate and kicked us out, without showing a court order. The people behind this say they’re from KCB, but we don’t know them,” Muema said.
He added that the alleged KCB agents have been uncooperative, refusing to negotiate with residents and hindering any development efforts.
“My workers and clients have fled. We no longer feel safe here. Every time we try to build, they stop us, claiming we haven’t paid—yet they refuse to negotiate or explain their pricing,” he lamented.
Fidelis Maanzo, the local village elder, recounted witnessing a demolition carried out by heavily armed police.
“I saw a lorry, GSU officers, and a Land Cruiser destroying gates. When we asked, they said the owner hadn’t complied with payment. But no one has refused to pay—KCB just isn’t willing to listen,” Maanzo said.
He criticized the use of police in land disputes, accusing them of acting like private agents and urging the government to take control.
“Why are police doing the work of surveyors and land brokers? There’s been so much injustice here. Our people’s property is being destroyed with no dialogue. Mr. President, we are tired of being bullied. We want to pay KCB peacefully, without fear or harassment,” he added.
The ongoing Mavoko land row stems from the transfer of 1,445 hectares of EAPCC land to KCB to settle a Ksh.6.8 billion debt. While the bank initially proposed a regularisation fee of Ksh.200,000 for each 50×100 plot, residents now claim they are being asked for much higher amounts, amid threats, intimidation, and extortion.
Despite past promises by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki to look into the matter, residents say little has changed. They are now calling on President Ruto to step in and ensure a fair, transparent, and non-violent resolution to the long-standing dispute.
