A group of elders from Githunguri Sub County has laid claim to over 5,000 acres of land currently part of the Tatu City development.
The elders allege the land was wrongfully taken from their community during the colonial era. They are demanding its return and compensation for what they describe as a historical injustice. This claim adds another layer of complexity to the Tatu City project, which has already faced public scrutiny in the past.
According to the elders, their ancestors were dispossessed of the land during the colonial period. They believe they hold rightful ownership and are seeking its return from the developers. David Kimani, an area resident, voiced their concerns, stating, “No white person came to Kenya with land from abroad… We, the people of the Gathirimu clan, have a claim to over 5,000 acres of the land.”
The elders have petitioned the National Assembly, Kenya’s parliament, urging an investigation into the matter. They hope the government will intervene and facilitate a resolution that acknowledges their historical claim.
This development comes amidst ongoing debates about land ownership and historical injustices in Kenya. The elders’ claim raises questions about land rights and the potential need for restitution for communities dispossessed during colonialism.
Tatu City has not yet publicly responded to the elders’ claims. The project, envisioned as a modern metropolis, has faced has faced multiple controversies regarding land use and allocation.
