By Shadrack Nyakoe
Residents of Utawala Ward have appealed to the County Government of Nairobi to intervene and restore several parcels of land they say have been grabbed by a private developer.
Speaking to Hot News, they said the grabbed pieces of land measure up to 4 acres and are spread across Utawala Ward.
Led by the chairman of Utawala Welfare Association (UTEWA) Joseph Kamanja, the residents said in 2011, private developers, led by one David Kabogo and working for Njiru Githunguri Farm, invaded the land earmarked for a school and a market.
Kamanja said before then, the defunct Nairobi city council demolished illegal structures on the land.
“In the following years, the grabbers, who are not residents of Utawala, invaded the farm again and subdivided it. They even went to court. But the land was surrendered to the defunct Nairobi city council in 1983 as a public utility after the Njiru Githunguri Ranch was sold,” Kamanja said.
The residents last week wrote to the Nairobi City County Assembly committee and Governor Mike Sonko to intervene.
They appeared before the County Assembly Committee.
Kamanja said the residents of Utawala have no space to put up a police post, schools, market, hospital, social hall and any other project meant for public use.
Kabogo who is said to be a member of Njiru Githunguri Farm reportedly annexed several plots and rented them out, sold some and has even rented some to the County Government of Government.
“How can the County Government of Nairobi pay rent to Kabogo yet the land is theirs! The land where the Chiefs office and the some County employees stay belongs to the Public. Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko should intervene because we have records and all documents showing the land was allocated to the public,” Kamanja said.
The Chairperson of the Assembly Planning and Housing committee Antony Kiragu asked the executive to demolish several illegal structures on the grabbed parcels.
The structures on the grabbed plots include several flats, residential houses and makeshift structures.
Nairobi County Chief officer for planning and housing Samwel Mwangi said that he’s going to implement the ruling of the committee by ensuring all illegal structures on the parcels of land are demolished.
Utawala MCA Patrick Karani said he will lead residents in a demonstration next week if no action is taken.
The Committees Chairman Antony Kiragu regretted that David Kabogo has snubbed the committee summons.
When reached for comment on why he had snubbed the committee, Kabogo could not be reached or comment.
He did not pick calls.
“The land grabbers cannot appear before this committee because they know very well that the land belongs to the public, and I’m very impressed by the ruling of today because we are now going to be relieved at last. We shall build a school and reserve a playground for our children.” Kamanja said.
In January 2015, City Hall issued enforcement notice number 5057 for all illegal structures on the parcels of land to be demolished.