Naivasha MP Jane Kihara on Thursday led residents in a heated protest against an ongoing multi-billion-shilling construction project on land belonging to Kenya Railways in Naivasha town.
The disputed land, which previously saw mass demolitions three years ago to pave way for public infrastructure, has once again sparked outrage after reports emerged that a private developer was putting up a mall on the same site.
Kihara accused the Office of the President of being behind the project, demanding transparency and accountability from the government and Kenya Railways.
“The President must tell Kenyans who is developing the Kenya Railways land in Naivasha town,” she said. “We remember how locals were violently evicted and property worth millions destroyed.”
The MP cited the demolition of a four-star hotel in the area, saying its owner held a valid 30-year lease but was still evicted despite having 28 years remaining.
Kihara questioned why land initially earmarked for national infrastructure has now been allegedly leased to private investors. She further claimed that attempts to reach Kenya Railways officials for clarification had been unsuccessful.
“I have credible information that the land has been taken over by individuals closely linked to the presidency,” she alleged.
This is not the first time Naivasha has witnessed land disputes involving state agencies. In March, over 100 families in Ndabibi were forcibly evicted amid allegations of collusion between senior government officials and a parastatal.
Meanwhile, the National Land Commission (NLC) has announced adjustments to parcels of land previously earmarked for the Nairobi–Naivasha Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).
In a gazette notice dated October 6, NLC Chairperson Gershom Otachi confirmed that 25 parcels covering 4.85 hectares will be newly acquired, 11 parcels removed, and two amended all on behalf of Kenya Railways Corporation.
The developments have reignited public debate over transparency in land allocation and government accountability in major infrastructure projects.
Such a thoughtful and well-researched piece. Thank you.