Johnson Sakaja Says Houses Built On Disputed Kirima Land In Njiru Won't Be Demolished: "We'll Agree"

• Governor Johnson Sakaja reassured residents of disputed Njiru land, stating that there are talks with the Kirima family
• Sakaja emphasised that demolition is not an option, and a joint survey with the national government will determine the responsible party for paying
• He addressed concerns from Ruai and Njiru residents, urging affected homeowners to enjoy the festive season despite the court order's December 31 deadline
• Sakaja criticised politicians for populist statements, emphasizing that the court order must be obeyed until quashed

Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi - Governor Johnson Sakaja has moved to reassure residents of disputed Njiru land that their homes will not be demolished.

During an interview with Radio Citizen on Thursday, December 14, the county chief stated that the county government had been in talks with the Kirima family.

Sakaja added that the county and national government would have a survey to determine who would pay the Kirima family, adding that demolition was not an option on the table.

"I reassured them, saying, "No need to worry. As a county, even though the case was lost, and it was declared that the land belongs to the family, the Kirima family came to me. We met, and we also met with the Minister of Land.

Just that the government won't purchase it, but they themselves claim they can plan with the families and will pay gradually. We agreed that we would conduct a survey together with the national government, and we'll determine whether it is the homeowners or us who will cover the cost," he said.

Why did Sakaja move to reassure affected families

The county boss disclosed that as he passed through Ruai and in Njiru, people were anxious and raised concerns about Kirima's land.

He urged the affected homeowners to enjoy the festive season despite the court order giving Sunday, December 31 as its deadline.

"I don't want people to go into Christmas with anxiety, thinking they will be demolished by December 31st; we will not allow that. We said it must work," he added.

Sakaja called out politicians for making populist statements over the issue, adding that the court had pronounced itself and until the order is quashed, they must obey it.

Njiru residents move to court

Earlier, at least 500 residents of the Njiru and Mihango areas moved to court to stop their looming eviction.

The residents are facing a legal eviction after the Environment and Lands Court issued a judgment stating that about 1,000 acres of land belonged to former Starehe MP, the late Gerishon Kirima.

Through lawyer Danstan Omari, the residents want the High Court to stay the execution of a verdict.