More than 300 families in Gazi village, Kwale County, have been left homeless after a brutal eviction where homes were on Monday morning demolished under tight security.
The demolition, which began at dawn, caught many residents off guard. A group of about 200 young men, armed with batons(rungus) and pangas invaded the area and began tearing down homes and forcefully evicting the residents with some looting properties including TV and mobile phones.
The operation was enforced by over 50 police officers, who stood by as the demolitions went on, raising more questions about who authorized the eviction and what role, if any, the state played in the eviction.
“It was around 5 am. in the morning when we saw a group of young men carrying weapons and began to demolish our houses. They were about 200 of them. Police were standing by, offering no explanation,” said one resident. “Some of them took way our properties, including TVs and mobile phones” one resident narrated.
The land in question covers over 306 acres, which they claim was legally allocated to them by the government many years ago. Most of them are long-time squatters who have built semi-permanent homes and raised families there, with some living on the land for decades.
“This land was leased, and the lease has since expired. Now, some powerful individuals are plotting to grab it. No notice was issued, and no court order was served. We just woke up to find armed young men forcefully evicting us. Where do they expect us to go?” asked one frustrated resident.
Among the victims is Jawabu Abdalla, a long-time Gazi resident who moved to the area in 1948 and once worked with the sugar firm Kiscol. Abdalla says he had three houses, all of which were demolished.
“They’ve brought everything down. My children are scattered, and it’s the rainy season. We don’t know where to go or who to turn to. Not a single leader has come to help us. This is pure injustice,” he said.
Another affected resident is Amina Mwaka, A 72-year old grandmother of eight.
The heavy police presence and the absence of any official communication from county or national government officials have added to the frustration and confusion. Many of the affected residents suspect the demolition may have been orchestrated by a wealthy individual eyeing the land, using state machinery to enforce what they call "a private land grab disguised as a legal process."
"If this land belongs to the government, then why is a gang of machete-wielding youths leading the demolition? Why are police standing by as our homes are destroyed and our property looted?" asked Emmanuel Kahindi.
Kahindi urged the government to intervene, saying the community has no plans to vacate the land, which they consider their ancestral home.
Written By: Nuru Salim.
