The National Police Service has issued a statement on the demolitions in the Nyama Villa Village estate in Kayole amid an onslaught of criticism from the public.
Several families were left without homes on Monday, December 16, after excavators took down several structures, including storey buildings.
Initially, the local community pointed an accusatory finger at the government, with some lamenting that the demolitions were carried out from midnight.
However, the National Police Service, through a statement signed by NPS Spokesperson Resila Onyango, dismissed the claims with a concise statement, clarifying that the demolitions stemmed from a private battle between private entities.
Residents watch as police stand guard at the ongoing demolition at Nyama Villa estate in Nairobi on December 16, 2024.
Kayole Community Justice Centre/Kijana
According to the NPS, the case, which is being heard at the Environment and Lands Court, dates back to 2013. The plaintiff in this case is a private company that dragged more than 20 individuals to court over the occupation of the contentious piece of land.
“The order dated May 13 2013 required the defendants, their agents, and or their servants who had defaulted to vacate the suit property, failure to which the individuals and structures would be removed from the suit property,” NPS said in a statement.
Occupants of the land in question are alleged to have defaulted evacuation for years, and appropriate procedures were followed before the demolitions and subsequent eviction.
The NPS further revealed that the specific spot in Nyama Villa Village had 304 plots occupied. Because the occupants failed to comply with a court order, they were ordered to vacate the land.
On whether the demolitions were carried out illegally at night, NPS denied the claims saying all due processes were followed and the occupants were evicted during the day.
“After following due processes, the evictions were carried out in broad daylight from December 16 and is ending on December 18,” the statement went on.
The NPS’s statement comes barely a day after the government distanced itself from the controversial demolitions through a statement by spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, who urged all parties involved to prioritize open dialogue.
Meanwhile, some political leaders have weighed in on the ongoing demolitions, with Babu Owino leading the line in criticizing the government.
A photo collage of an ongoing demolition at Nyama Villa estate in Nairobi on December 16, 2024.
Kayole Community Justice Centre/Kijana