East African Portland Cement (EAPC) has announced its decision to sell a portion of its land in a response to ongoing demolitions and public outrage in Athi River, Machakos County.
The controversial demolitions have displaced over 50 homes, including churches and mosques, and sparked a legal battle that has left many Kenyans in a dire situation.
Read also: Evictions Follow as Land Reforms in Athi River are Initiated Three Days After Court Ruling
EAPC’s notice, published on earlier today, states that priority will be given to parties currently occupying sections of parcels 8784/144, 145, and 653 in Mavoko.
Those in this situation have been advised to assert their claim within 14 days from the date of the notice. After this period, any unclaimed portions will be made available to the general public on a willing buyer-willing seller basis.
Meanwhile, in the midst of these events, a site office has been established, as well as another within EAPC’s Namanga road premises.
The origins of this crisis date back to a Machakos High Court ruling, which declared the occupation of the land by squatters illegal.
EAPC emerged victorious in a legal battle to evict these squatters from 1,740 hectares of their land in Machakos County after the claimants failed to produce documents proving ownership. Many of the evictees had occupied the disputed land for more than a decade.
In light of these demolitions and the resultant homelessness, some residents are now pleading with President William Ruto to intervene and protect them from further devastation. Others are seeking compensation for their losses.
As the situation unfolds, EAPC Plc has put up more land for sale, but it is essential to clarify that this newly offered land is distinct from the disputed area where demolitions are ongoing.
The land for sale is registered under LR NO. 8784/144, 145, and 653, and EAPC has set up an office on this land to facilitate transactions.
While these developments are unfolding, the controversial sale of 4,298 acres of land (LR NO. 10424) has left hundreds of families without a place to call home. A Machakos High Court ruling established East African Portland Cement PLC as the legitimate owner of the land located within Athi River in Mavoko, Machakos County.
This decision followed a legal suit (No. 74 of 2014) filed at the Machakos Environment and Lands Court by some individuals and officials of Aimi Ma Lukenya Society against the cement grinder on the land’s ownership dispute in 2014.
Interestingly, it was revealed that the East Africa Portland Cement Company had previously cautioned the public against buying the disputed land in a Facebook post on June 15, 2016, stating that the said parcels were not for sale.
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In response to these recent events, lawyer Nelson Havi has announced his intention to represent homeowners who have been evicted from the Athi River land in their ongoing struggle with East African Portland Cement Company.
Havi urged affected homeowners to compile the necessary documents, including proof of property ownership and valuations, and get in touch with him for further action.
