Move or face eviction: Ndeti warns road reserve encroachers

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Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has issued a stern warning to residents who have encroached on road reserves across the county, saying the practice is slowing development and will no longer be tolerated as her administration accelerates infrastructure projects.

The governor said individuals who have built structures along road reserves must vacate voluntarily to pave the way for ongoing and planned road works, warning that failure to comply will result in forceful eviction.

Speaking on Saturday in Mlolongo Township after inspecting the ongoing upgrading of the Gossip–Mlolongo–Police Housing Loop Road to bitumen standards, Governor Ndeti expressed concern over repeated delays caused by encroachment on public land.

“Those who have built on road reserves, please move as early as now. This road has been delayed because someone had built on the reserve, so before we get to where you are, just move,” she said.

She reminded residents that land boundaries are clearly demarcated and urged property owners to respect them.

“Everyone has a beacon showing their boundary. Build within that, don’t encroach on public land,” the governor cautioned.

Governor Ndeti said the warning extends beyond major roads to feeder roads across the county, noting that enforcement will intensify as the county rolls out an expanded road maintenance programme.

She revealed that the county government has acquired additional equipment to support the initiative.

“I have bought 13 graders, and they will be clearing those roads, so move if you have encroached,” she said.

The governor noted that encroachment has become a major impediment to timely project delivery, often triggering disputes during the displacement of businesses and structures.

She said such interruptions inflate costs and delay service delivery, undermining development efforts meant to benefit residents.

Beyond road infrastructure, Governor Ndeti also raised alarm over poor waste management, warning that indiscriminate dumping of garbage poses serious public health risks and threatens to erode development gains.

She urged residents to embrace proper waste disposal, stressing that environmental cleanliness is a shared personal responsibility.

She further encouraged residents to take advantage of improved infrastructure by engaging in viable economic activities, saying better roads enhance accessibility and create opportunities for local businesses to thrive.

The Gossip–Mlolongo–Police Housing Loop Road is expected to extend to Mlolongo Dispensary and Assisi Nursing Home, a move expected to significantly ease mobility and improve access to essential services for the surrounding neighbourhoods.

Responding to critics of her leadership, the governor dismissed what she described as political noise, insisting that her focus remains on service delivery rather than verbal exchanges.

“Those people who like noise, I don’t like noise or engaging in a war of words with anyone. I will keep quiet and work. When the time comes, we will redirect you back home,” she said.

Governor Ndeti framed her leadership as one grounded in responsibility and decisiveness, saying she views the people of Machakos as her primary duty.

“First off, I’m a mother, and I’m responsible for these people as my children. Where will I find time for empty rhetoric?” she posed.

Using a vivid analogy, she said her administration would not be derailed by a few individuals opposed to her development agenda.

“This is a bus, a huge bus carrying the entire Machakos county, and I’m the one behind the wheel. If one or two people try to obstruct me, I will knock them down,” she said.

Ndeti maintained that tangible projects on the ground, rather than political exchanges, remain the true measure of leadership, pledging to continue working tirelessly to transform lives across Machakos county.