Tension is mounting in Mwihoko, Ruiru Constituency. More than 500 families are staring at possible eviction following a land ownership dispute involving a private developer.
Residents say they were shocked after the developer recently convened a meeting. He announced that he had legally acquired sub-divisional titles to the land and now holds full ownership rights. He is reportedly demanding that each household pay up to Sh2 million or vacate the property.
Many of the affected residents say they have lived in the area for decades, having purchased the plots from a well-known landowner with no prior disputes or contestations. Some claim to have resided there for over 30 years and are now calling for government intervention.
“We bought this land legally and have been paying our rates and building our lives here. It’s unthinkable that someone can just come and claim ownership,” said one of the aggrieved homeowners.
The looming evictions have sparked anxiety and anger among the residents, who are now organizing protests and seeking legal redress. They are also urging local leaders and relevant government agencies to investigate the matter and help safeguard their homes.
As the standoff escalates, the situation raises broader questions about land ownership, documentation, and the growing threat of land fraud in rapidly urbanizing areas like Ruiru.