Wavinya Ndeti calls on Gachagua to speak out on Mavoko demolitions
Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has expressed her dismay at the silence of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua regarding the ongoing demolition in Mavoko, Ukambani.
Governor Ndeti, who has been a vocal critic of the demolitions, found it perplexing that Deputy President Gachagua had previously condemned a similar demolition in Nyandarua but remained tight-lipped in the face of forced evictions in Ukambani.
In a post on her platform, Governor Ndeti questioned the double standards, saying, “Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua condemns demolitions in Nyandarua but ironically goes mum on the demolitions in Mavoko. Why the double standards?”
During his visit to Nyandarua County on Saturday, the Deputy President issued a stern warning to security agencies targeting traders and individuals allegedly occupying public land near the railway line. He emphasized that people should not be evicted without being provided with alternative land for settlement.
“The Kenya Kwanza administration was formed on the basis of helping the common people or hustlers, and the move to intimidate and forcefully evict them is unacceptable,” he stated.
However, the situation has been different in Mavoko, where victims were evicted without prior notice. The disputed Eastern Africa Portland Cement land in Mavoko had been illegally acquired and sold to unsuspecting Kenyans, sparking outrage among local leaders.
On Tuesday, leaders from Azimio La Umoja, including Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka, condemned the evictions and accused President William Ruto’s administration of illegal demolition.
Mr. Odinga questioned the urgency of the demolitions, which have caused individuals to lose significant investments. However, their attempts to access the affected area were thwarted by GSU officers overseeing the demolition, who blocked their path.