Kenya Railways flattened a governor's businesses overnight, defending the demolition as necessary land repossession. The corporation targeted properties near Nyayo Stadium, including a restaurant and car wash owned by Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi. Security officers supervised the operation, which also cleared liquor stores and beauty salons from the area.
The state corporation stated this action clears space for a new railway station beside Nyayo National Stadium. Plans include a spur line connecting the Nairobi Central station to the Talanta Sports City Stadium through Kibera. This infrastructure project aims to improve transportation for a major continental football tournament.
Officials claim all encroachers on the railway corridor were given advance notice to vacate. Kenya Railways asserted it is repossessing land identified for development. The corporation warned that illegal structures found on the corridor would be removed at the encroacher's cost and risk.
Governor Wamatangi visited the razed site, calling the move political persecution. He explained starting his business there decades ago by washing cars before selling them. Wamatangi said he held a sixty-five year lease from Kenya Railways and consistently paid all required fees.
He was flanked by religious leaders while questioning the demolition. Wamatangi pointed out that he possessed a court order protecting his property. Reports show he filed a petition at the Milimani Commercial Magistrates' Courts before the demolition.
His petition sought an order to stop the planned demolition of his leased property. Wamatangi stated officers representing Kenya Railways had previously visited his premises. They threatened eviction without providing any written notice, according to his account.
The state corporation stated this action clears space for a new railway station beside Nyayo National Stadium. Plans include a spur line connecting the Nairobi Central station to the Talanta Sports City Stadium through Kibera. This infrastructure project aims to improve transportation for a major continental football tournament.
Officials claim all encroachers on the railway corridor were given advance notice to vacate. Kenya Railways asserted it is repossessing land identified for development. The corporation warned that illegal structures found on the corridor would be removed at the encroacher's cost and risk.
Governor Wamatangi visited the razed site, calling the move political persecution. He explained starting his business there decades ago by washing cars before selling them. Wamatangi said he held a sixty-five year lease from Kenya Railways and consistently paid all required fees.
He was flanked by religious leaders while questioning the demolition. Wamatangi pointed out that he possessed a court order protecting his property. Reports show he filed a petition at the Milimani Commercial Magistrates' Courts before the demolition.
His petition sought an order to stop the planned demolition of his leased property. Wamatangi stated officers representing Kenya Railways had previously visited his premises. They threatened eviction without providing any written notice, according to his account.
