Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga expressed strong disapproval of the recent house demolitions in Kakamega’s upscale Milimani estate, where homeowners faced substantial financial losses
Criticizing the Kenya Kwanza government’s actions as “animosity and inhumanity,” Odinga drew parallels between the demolitions under President William Ruto’s administration and the historical context of retired President Daniel arap Moi’s reign, declaring the former more severe.
Odinga emphasized the unexpected nature of the demolitions, comparing them unfavorably to the darkest days of Moi’s dictatorship.
He highlighted the lack of transparency, stating, “If you know you are doing the right thing, you come during the day with your papers and show it to residents.”
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, a resident of the demolished land for over two decades, revealed the destruction of his five-bedroom property at night.
He criticized the government’s housing plan, deeming it illogical to displace people from their land ,and later label the new houses as “affordable.
Barasa argued, “We cannot allow our houses to be flattened so that we can be given houses.”
Opposition leaders collectively asserted that the land belonged to the county, insisting that the demolitions proceeded despite a court order to halt them.
Former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya contended that the land’s originality lies with the municipality, emphasizing that the national government has no rights to it.
Condemning the demolitions, the leaders called on the national government to compensate those affected. Oparanya concluded, “We condemn these demolitions in the strongest words possible, and we will go to court on the same.
To all those who were affected, we are sorry, and we stand with you in solidarity.
The national government must compensate our people.”
Nacada Officials Given More Powers To Fight Narcotics, Alcohol
Raila Odinga Denounces Kakamega Demolitions: ‘Worse Than Moi’s Reign,’ Says Opposition”, Raila Odinga Denounces Kakamega Demolitions: ‘Worse Than Moi’s Reign,’ Says Opposition”
