Mbeere North: Four families from Gitiburi Village in Embu County have been rendered homeless following the demolition of their homes in the early hours by a private developer. The developer claimed to have legally purchased the land from the families’ deceased father.
According to Kenya News Agency, a bulldozer began demolishing the houses at approximately 3:50 am under the supervision of the Officer Commanding Siakago Police Station (OCS) and four police officers. The private developer was reportedly executing a court eviction order to remove the families from their ancestral land.
Hundreds of upset villagers, led by area Member of Parliament Geoffrey Ruku, protested at the police station demanding answers regarding the controversial night-time evictions. Ruku, visibly emotional, addressed the residents, expressing his distress over the plight of the four families from his native village.
The villagers demanded the removal and prosecution of the officers involved, condemning the eviction’s execution as inhumane. During the operation, a young boy narrowly escaped after being trapped when a wall collapsed. Witnesses described the demolition as brutal and poorly executed, resulting in significant property damage and life disruption.
Farmhand Wilson Kinyua recounted being abruptly awoken and ordered to leave his house as the demolition began. Villagers who rushed to the scene were powerless to intervene due to the presence of armed police officers. Neighbor Moses Nyaga questioned the timing and oversight of the eviction, criticizing the involvement of a senior police officer.
MP Geoffrey Ruku condemned the officers’ actions, calling for their immediate transfer and emphasizing the need for proper consultation processes to prevent such incidents. Embu County Police Commander Samuel Muthamia acknowledged procedural breaches and promised administrative action against the involved officers.