NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 17 – Azimio leaders led by Raila Odinga on Monday were denied access to the Mavoko Portland demolition site as they decried unfair treatment of evictees.
The leaders who have now called for thorough probe into the issue faulted the Kenya Kwanza administration for going against its election manifesto of putting an end to what it has termed as illegal evictions.
”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,” Odinga stated.
Odinga averred that has lashed at the William Ruto led administration indicating that those affected by the ongoing demolitions are contrary to the provisions of human rights.
”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,” he added.
The opposition outfit has questioned the urgency of the demolitions, observing that it is ill timed coming at a time when the weatherman has predicted the El Nino phenomenon that has already started to pound several parts of the country.
The demolitions at Mavoko started Friday shortly after a protracted court ruling in favor of East Africa Portland Cement Company in a court battle that lasted close to ten year.
President William Ruto while reacting to the court ruling indicated that the illegal occupants of the troubled Mavoko land must vacate to pave way for the expansion of the Export Processing Zone (EPZ).
”I thank the court for the ruling on the land. Criminals who grabbed the land will be evicted immediately.
The government will buy part of the land to expand the EPZ,”said the president while opening the newly built Pharmaceutical company at the EPZ.
