The Kiambu Clergy Pastors Forum has condemned the demolition of property belonging to Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, terming the overnight operation unlawful, inhumane and a setback to economic recovery efforts.
Wamatangi is counting heavy losses after a midnight demolition exercise brought down his business premises located along Douglas Wakiihuri Road off Lang’ata Road in Nairobi.
Several businesses and installations, including a car yard, car wash facility and a restaurant, were destroyed during the operation.
Addressing journalists at the scene, the forum’s General Secretary, Prince Eliud, said members of the clergy were 'deeply disturbed' by the demolition, arguing that it had negatively affected livelihoods at a time when many Kenyans are already struggling economically.
“We are very disappointed because what has been destroyed is people’s property,” Eliud said.
“People in Kenya are crying every day. They do not have homes, they are jobless and businesses are not doing well.”
He noted that the demolished premises housed businesses that supported many families and questioned the impact of the action on workers who depended on the enterprises for survival.
“What has been destroyed is a business which people depended on for a living. Where will they go now?” he posed.
“Our children are going back to school, and this business was the source of living for those who worked here.”
The clergy forum said the demolition contradicted the spirit of national prayers and calls for unity, arguing that the country cannot move forward by destroying existing sources of income.
“We pray for our country every day to move forward. But this is not going forward; it is backwardness,” Eliud said.
“Instead of creating jobs, we are destroying the little that is there.”
The clerics also faulted the process, saying that even if the structures were deemed illegal, due process should have been followed, including the issuance of proper written notices.
“Even if there was a problem, there should have been a notice. Our hearts are hurting because of what has happened,” he added.
The demolition took place near the railway line close to Nyayo Stadium, with police providing security as contractors carried out the exercise. Security was tight throughout the night, and police cordoned off the area as the demolitions proceeded.
Nairobi police boss George Seda confirmed that officers were deployed to support Kenya Railways in repossessing the land as part of an ongoing operation. He said no injuries were reported during the exercise.
“The management says they notified the owner of the property to vacate, but there was resistance. We came in to help in the demolition,” Seda said.
The incident occurred shortly after Governor Wamatangi, through his company, moved to court seeking protection from what he described as verbal threats of demolition.
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