Makuyu, Murang’a County| A fierce standoff is brewing in Makuyu as more than 130 families living on a contested 39-acre parcel of land opposite the ongoing Makuyu Affordable Housing Project.
The residents have issued a defiant rejection of eviction threats, accusing the Ministry of Lands of pushing development projects without the mandatory public participation required by Kenyan law.
The disputed land, which has been home to generations of families, is earmarked for multiple public projects, including a Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) campus valued at over KSh 400 million and other commercial facilities.
While residents acknowledge the potential economic benefits of such developments, they insist that no displacement should occur without transparent consultation, fair compensation, and strict adherence to legal processes.
“This Is Our Only Home” – Residents Speak Out
During a charged public forum held on the contested land on Wednesday, emotions ran high as elderly residents shared heart-wrenching testimonies of lifelong ties to the area.
Jane Wambui, a 67-year resident, told the gathering:
“This land is our home. We were born here, and our children go to school here. Evicting us without proper consultation will destroy our lives. I have lived on this land for over 67 years. We built our homes with our own hands and this is the only place we call home.”
Peter Gachanja, who has called the land home for two decades, added:
“We were never consulted about these development plans. The government must respect our rights and involve us in every decision that affects our homes. We are not moving an inch until due process is followed.”
Families fear that forced eviction would sever access to nearby schools, health facilities, and livelihoods. Samuel Kariuki, a father of four, warned:
“If we are removed from this land, our children will lose access to education, and our livelihoods will be destroyed. We have nowhere else to go.”
Grace Wanjiru, a 30-year resident, demanded transparency and legal compliance:
“No one should be displaced without proper legal procedures and community consultation. We will defend our homes and ensure our voices are heard.”
Lawmaker Accuses Ministry of Lands of Legal Violations
Maragua Member of Parliament Mary Waithera (commonly known as Wamaua) threw her full weight behind the residents, declaring the proposed development plan legally flawed.
“The Constitution of Kenya 2010, the Land Act, and the Physical and Land Use Planning Act explicitly require public participation when preparing any Physical Development Plan,” Hon. Waithera stated.
“The fact that residents were not engaged constitutes a clear violation of these laws. We have unanimously rejected the proposed plan until full legal compliance is guaranteed.”
The MP took direct aim at the Ministry of Lands under Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome, accusing it of fast-tracking projects without community engagement and raising concerns that “individual interests” may be overriding public good.
“We will not allow any attempt to evict residents without following the law to succeed,” she warned, while emphasizing that the community is not opposed to development itself.
Residents Open to Development – If Rights Are Respected
Contrary to perceptions of blanket opposition, both residents and their MP clarified that they welcome progress that benefits Makuyu.
Hon. Waithera highlighted the upcoming Makuyu KMTC campus as a prime example:
“This Sh400 million-plus project will create hundreds of jobs and stimulate the local economy. Students will need hostels, salons, food outlets, and many other services. The existing slaughterhouse on the land already supports local trade.”
She cited the neighboring Makuyu Affordable Housing Project, which has employed thousands of youth and spurred new businesses, as proof that development and residents’ rights can coexist.
“We can develop Makuyu and protect residents’ rights at the same time,” she reiterated. “We are not against progress – we are against illegal and oppressive processes.”
Government Officials Promise Review and Dialogue
In a bid to calm tensions, Murang’a South Deputy County Commissioner Bernard Odino, representing the national government, assured residents that their concerns would be addressed.
“The government is committed to working closely with residents to ensure that any development benefits the people without violating their property rights,” DCC Odino said.
He confirmed that the current development plans would be reviewed to incorporate community input and comply fully with legal requirements.
What Happens Next?
As it stands, the fate of the 39-acre parcel remains uncertain. Residents have vowed to remain on the land until a legally sound, participatory solution is reached.
Local leaders have called for immediate stakeholder meetings involving the Ministry of Lands, Murang’a County Government, national government administrators, and affected families.
The Makuyu land dispute has reignited national conversations about balancing Kenya’s ambitious infrastructure and housing goals with constitutional protections against arbitrary displacement – a delicate dance the government must now perform under intense local and legal scrutiny.
For now, the people of Makuyu stand united: development yes, but never at the expense of their homes, history, and constitutional rights.
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