Raila Pins Down Ruto Over Eviction Of 3,000 People

Azimio la Umoja leader, Raila Odinga, picked bones with President William Ruto's government on Saturday, January 6 regarding the eviction of 3,000 people from Msambweni in Taita Taveta County which occurred during the morning hours.

In a statement, Raila accused the Kenya Kwanza government of developing a tendency to resort to forceful evictions and demolition of settlements as a preferred way of acquiring or settling land disputes.

"From Mavoko to Kakamega, Thika, and Mombasa and today in Voi, the government seems to be pursuing a policy of evicting people from their settlements using utmost pain inflicted at the most desperate moments.

Scene following evictions in Voi, Taita Taveta County on January 6, 2024. /FACEBOOK

"At daybreak today, over 3,000 residents of Msambweni in Voi were invaded by a contingent of police officers escorting a demolition squad that has so far brought down several homes on a disputed piece of land," Raila disclosed.

According to him, the dispute over the land had been brought to the attention of the highest level of government, including President Ruto who in turn tasked the elected leaders to come up with a resolution.

The former Prime Minister revealed that he spoke to different categories of community leaders in Voi who in turn assured of their commitment to finding a solution that is acceptable to all parties to the dispute.

"The community had earlier asked the government to compensate them for land acquired by the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), to enable them to buy alternative settlements. That has not happened.

"As the community prepared to meet this afternoon, demolition started early morning. The entire leadership of the National Government Administration Officers in the county has refused to respond to distress calls of residents and instead gone into hiding," Raila fired at the government.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader lamented the ill-timing of the evictions amid tough economic times and worse, with less than two days to the reopening of schools for Term One.

Raila therefore called for the government to stop the demolitions with immediate effect in Voi as well as in any other part of Kenya.

"The government needs to have feelings and empathy for the people. The times are too tough, the needs too pressing, and the weather too harsh for anyone to lose a home in the hands of the government.

"We therefore call on the government to immediately stop the demolitions currently underway in Voi and in any other part of the country," he demanded.

Raila went on to remind Ruto of his promise during the campaigns that he would stamp out forceful evictions and demolition of dwellings and that where necessary, affected people would be provided with enough notice and compensation promptly paid, a matter that awaits victims of the ongoing Voi evictions.

The evictions which kicked off on Saturday morning involved a contingent of police officers who invaded the area in the company of a demolition squad that has so far brought down several homes on a disputed piece of land.

"At the same time, we appeal to humanitarian organizations and human rights bodies to move in and help the people of Voi access the basics that they need and pursue justice," Raila appealed.