200 structures flattened as squatters evicted from farm

A police truck drives ahead of a burning structure on Hussein Dairy farm at Nguu Tatu. More than 30 police officers on Thursday destroyed about 200 structures belonging to squatters on Hussein Dairy Farm in Mombasa County. PHOTO | LABAN WALLOGA |

What you need to know:

  • The officers, including those from the Administration Police, and prison warders arrived in two trucks to carry out the operation, after evicting about 400 squatters from part of the 314-acre private parcel of land.
  • They burnt down some of the dwellings, and used bulldozers to bring down others.
  • The officers hurled tear gas canisters at the rowdy crowds and fired shots in the air, forcing the squatters out.
  • The squatters said the officers turned a deaf ear when they enquired if the law enforcers had any legal document allowing the demolitions.

More than 30 police officers on Thursday destroyed about 200 structures belonging to squatters on Hussein Dairy Farm in Mombasa County.

The officers, including those from the Administration Police, and prison warders arrived in two trucks to carry out the operation, after evicting about 400 squatters from part of the 314-acre private parcel of land.

They burnt down some of the dwellings, and used bulldozers to bring down others.

The officers hurled tear gas canisters at the rowdy crowds and fired shots in the air, forcing the squatters out.

When the Nation team visited the area, some structures were still smouldering, with kitchenware strewn all over the place.

The squatters said the officers turned a deaf ear when they enquired if the law enforcers had any legal document allowing the demolitions.

They further said the officers did not give them any eviction notice.

BURNT HOUSES

“We were shocked to see armed police officers in two trucks storm the farm. They used bulldozers to flatten some houses. They burnt down others. Mattresses and blankets were also set on fire.

"We have been left homeless and have nowhere to go,” said Nguu Tatu Development Community Assistant Chairman Alphonce Jimmy.

He claimed the said owner’s lease had expired yet they were still being harassed and facing evictions.

“We have been evicted more than 10 times. We are wondering why we are being subjected to this torture yet we made a follow-up with the National Land Commission on the matter. The leaders we elected should come to our rescue,” said Mr Jimmy.

They criticised county leaders for failing to address their problems.

“We elected the leaders but where are they now? Why should we suffer to this extent? Don’t we have rights?” asked another squatter, Mr Alex Masha.

“We are now appealing to the national government to help us because county leaders seem to have failed to provide solutions to what we are going through,” he added.