Rex Omolleh, MCA for Nairobi West area during a Media briefing in Nairobi on Thursday 17th, 2024.
In a passionate demonstration on Thursday, Rex Omolleh, the Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Nairobi West, led local residents in a peaceful protest against the alleged grabbing of public land by a private developer.
The contested land, which has historically served as a playground for children in the area, is reportedly being leased to Nairobi West Hospital for use as a parking lot.
During the protest, Omolleh outlined the history of the land, stating that it had changed hands around 11 years ago when Nairobi West Hospital began occupying it. By 2019, the hospital had fully taken over the area, even converting part of it into a COVID-19 testing center. He noted that prominent political figures, including Raila Odinga, had previously intervened to protect the playground from being seized.
“According to Nairobi County records, there are no approvals for the hospital to fence off this field,” Omolleh asserted, emphasizing that the land should be designated for public use.
He highlighted the lack of documentation supporting the hospital’s claims to the land, declaring, “There is no record of anyone owning the land. It’s public land.”
Despite the peaceful nature of the demonstration, tensions escalated as a heavy police presence aimed to disperse the protesters. Omolleh reported that officers were on-site to prevent arrests, but he remained resolute. “The message is home; we will come back for the land. This land belongs to the children of Nairobi West, and we are not going to negotiate,” he stated.
Nairobi West area residents protests against land grabbing by a private developer on Thursday 17th. The land that was used as playground for children, is currently leased to Nairobi West Hospital
The MCA revealed that Nairobi County officials had recently marked the land as illegal, only for the hospital to cover those markings shortly thereafter. “We have evidence of this land being public, and we will expose everyone involved in this grabbing,” he added, underscoring the community’s determination to reclaim the area.
Historically known as “Swings Playground,” the land had been a cherished space for children to play. Omolleh remarked, “Many people remember this place as a playground, where children used to swing and play. It is a part of our community’s history.” He expressed concern over the lack of recreational spaces for the youth, stating, “In Nairobi West, we do not have a field for children; it has been grabbed.”
The fight for public land does not stop at the playground. The area MCA indicated plans to target other areas that have been similarly seized, including a local market and a health center. “We know all the lands that have been grabbed in Nairobi West,” he said, vowing to restore these vital community spaces.
The MCA has sought assistance from Governor Sakaja, submitting all necessary documents related to the land. “The governor’s team is supporting us, and we want to bring all these lands that have been grabbed back to the public,” Omolleh stated. He criticized the private developer for failing to provide proof of ownership, suggesting that if they truly held valid title, they would be forthcoming with the documentation.
When asked about potential legal action, Omolleh pointed out the absence of a legal claimant. “Who are we taking to court? There is no one claiming the land as theirs. Our issue is with Nairobi West Hospital, which is obstructing our access to public land,” he explained.
In a show of community solidarity, Omolleh revealed that even residents abroad have reached out to support their efforts to reclaim the playground. “People from all over the world are messaging me, commending our fight for this field. We must return this playground to the children.”
With ongoing support from the county government and the community, Omolleh remains hopeful for a resolution. “We are determined to restore this land for the children of Nairobi West,” he added, highlighting the importance of reclaiming public spaces for future generations. The movement to reclaim this essential community asset is just beginning, and residents are prepared to continue their fight until justice is served.