Raila Denied Access To Athi River Demolitions [VIDEO]

Azimio la Umoja leader, Raila Odinga was on Tuesday, October 17 blocked from accessing the Mavoko Portland Cement eviction and demolitions.

While in the company of other Azimio leaders including Wiper Party Leader, Kalonzo Musyoka and Machakos Governor, Wavinya Ndeti, Raila was poised to visit the site where hundreds of residents have been evicted and had their properties demolished.

However, the entourage encountered police officers who told them that they could not allow them to access the site at the moment.

"After clearing what we are doing, we can allow you to come," one of the officers was captured in a video telling them.

Police officers block Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka, Senator Edwin Sifuna and Governor Wavinya Ndeti from accessing the Athi River demolition site on October 17, 2023. /AZIMIO TV

The officer leading the demolitions argued that Raila and his team would interfere with the ongoing process, arguing that "We are not destroying (the houses), we are bringing the land back to its original phase".

"We are here to see the civilians who have been affected. We are not here to interfere with the exercise," Raila countered.

Despite pleas from Ndeti, Kalonzo and Nairobi Senator, Edwin Sifuna, the officer refused to let them through, claiming they had received orders from above that no one should be allowed on the site, despite Kalonzo arguing that the officers were following orders blindly.

"You are following what you were told. This situation can determine your future," he could be heard saying.

Sifuna however said that Azimio would respect the police orders, making an effort to diffuse the situation.

"There is no need for unnecessary confrontation. We will accept whatever orders they have given. But we need to address the country from here," he said.

Following the confrontation, a contingent of officers escorted the political leaders away from the site.

Raila addressed the media shortly after the confrontation, accusing President William Ruto of failing to honour his promise of upholding the rights of Kenyans.

"What is going on here is forced eviction, the exact crime Ruto promised to bring to an end in July last year. It is a gross violation of human rights; the right to adequate housing at a time the administration purports to be working to ensure that everyone has shelter," Raila noted.

He wondered why the demolitions targeted the poor families who are now left to fend for themselves on the streets without basic shelter and with El Nino rains looming, further questioning why the government could not resettle the victims through the Settlement Fund and decided to use force against Kenyans. 

He urged the head of state to halt the demolitions and share with the country the immediate plans to pay compensation for the property destroyed.

"What is going on here indicates a systematic disregard of recognized human rights standards on the part of the State. The affected families, some among the poorest of the poor and the upcoming middle class, have not only witnessed lifelong savings demolished and crushed to ashes," Raila complained.