Dozens of families in Nyamavilla, a settlement in Nairobi’s Kayole estate, have been left homeless following a series of demolitions that began early Monday morning. 

The demolitions stem from a long-standing land dispute, dating back to 2002, between a real estate company and individuals who are alleged to be occupying the land illegally.

The operation unfolded swiftly, with bulldozers tearing through stone walls and pillars, leaving residents helpless and unable to salvage their belongings. 

Many families were caught off guard, witnessing the destruction in despair.

One of the affected individuals, a Kenyan Defense Forces (KDF) veteran, traveled overnight in an attempt to protect his property. 

He shared his story, explaining that he had invested his retirement savings into the land, only to later discover it was part of the disputed property. 

“I didn’t know these plots were part of a development project when I purchased them. I invested all my savings here to live out my retirement, but now everything is gone,” he said.

Bishop Josiah, who had rented a house in the area for the past two months, returned from a trip for a burial on Monday to find his home being demolished. 

“I just arrived this morning only to realize my house was being destroyed. I had no idea about the ongoing legal dispute. Now, I’ve lost everything,” he said, visibly distressed.

Jackline Ikoa recounted a harrowing escape when the demolitions began. “We had to run for our lives. The bulldozer was right next to my bed, and I almost didn’t make it. We left everything behind, my children and I,” she said, her voice trembling.

Nominated Member of County Assembly (MCA) Joy Mwangi arrived to defend the residents, but by then, it was too late. She expressed frustration, stating that the affected families had only recently been informed about the dispute and had been given little time to vacate. 

“The houses were built only months ago, and we were given a notice. I thank God I wasn’t affected,” she said.

The conflict between the real estate company and the residents remains unresolved. 

The company is continuing with the demolitions, claiming that many of the occupants have failed to settle payments for the land as per prior agreements. 

This latest wave of demolitions comes after a similar action was halted in 2018 following an intervention by former President Uhuru Kenyatta.