5 Kenyan Figures: Recent Property Raids
In recent months, several well-known individuals from Kenya, including former President Uhuru Kenyatta, have faced the anger of young people who are believed to have been influenced to create chaos.
In the majority of instances, young individuals unlawfully entered the properties of these prominent figures, such as Raila Odinga and a previous assistant to Daniel Moi.
The politically motivated assaults are occasionally joined by countrywide occurrences like protests that escalate political tensions, endangering the cohesion of society.
In every instance, valuable properties worth millions of currency were damaged, with the most expensive one being a company valued at around Ksh4 billion, which is said to have been intentionally set ablaze.
Here are five prominent individuals whose properties were targeted and destroyed by goons
Uhuru Kenyatta
In March of this year, during a period when the country was experiencing widespread protests led by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, a faction of young individuals raided the Kenyatta family’s Northlands farm. They made off with approximately 1,400 rare sheep.
The thugs additionally felled trees and caused damage to various other constructions. The police were criticized for their lack of promptness, as they arrived almost a full day after the incident occurred.
ALSO READ: Kenyatta Family’s Sheep Worth Ksh 450K Seized in Police Raid on Private Home
The value of the stolen sheep was calculated to be around Ksh70 million, as a single exotic sheep is priced at approximately Ksh50,000.
However, by mid-April, the suspects had given back a portion of the stolen sheep, which were worth approximately Ksh900,000. This information was provided by Patrick Masinde, the security manager at Northlands City Farm.
Approximately during that period, a different set of young individuals made an effort to invade Kedong Ranch in Narok East, which is connected to the Kenyatta family.
Raila Odinga
In March 2023, a contingent of 50 young individuals assaulted the East African Spectre Company, owned by Raila Odinga, and specializing in the distribution of gas.
The gathering threw rocks at both the gate and the primary structure situated in the Embakasi region of Nairobi.
As per the security chief of the company, the individuals seemed to be targeting the company’s general manager, as evident from the window they aimed at with thrown stones.
In his following speech to his supporters in the opposition, Raila referred to the action as a display of cowardice and called on the police to intervene.
In response, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki mentioned that the police effectively pushed back the gang. However, they faced difficulties in responding promptly at Uhuru’s Northlands Ranch because the protests caused logistical obstacles.
Paras Shah
A cohort of young individuals attacked Megvel Cartons Limited, a factory that produces cartons, and ignited a fire on Saturday, August 12th.
Subsequently, Paras Shah, the proprietor of the company, alleged that the police oversaw the damage to his assets after a dispute over land with a competing firm.
“An investment of Ksh4 billion has now been razed to the ground. We have shown you pictures of the destruction of machinery. Why were goons allowed to destroy the property,” the owner complained.
The land tussle case, he claimed, lasted for.
Kipchoge Keino
A 195-acre ranch in Eldoret associated with athletics legend Kipchoge Keino was also trespassed by a group of young individuals on August 11th.
ALSO READ: Kipchoge Keino’s Farm Invasion: Youths Claim Olympic Record Holder’s Land
The vast agricultural estate accommodates the Kipchoge Keino High-Performance Training Centre, which is officially endorsed by the Olympic Committee. This facility serves as a training camp where athletes get ready for their competitions.
Taking an unexpected turn, the trespassers asserted their control over the property and subsequently requested the transfer of the title deeds to their name.
As per statements from Keino’s relatives, the sportsman acquired the property in 1972 using funds he had saved up and the earnings he garnered from his race victories.
Keino urged the government to intervene and resolve the deadlock.
Benjamin Kipkulei
In April 2021, individuals without legal rights occupied the property owned by Benjamin Kipkuei, a past assistant to ex-President Daniel Arap Moi.
As per local officials, the individuals occupying the land without permission were requesting access to the property for farming purposes. They argued that they had the capability to generate a plentiful harvest.
“Land-grabbing cartels are making millions leasing land belonging to individuals to gullible farmers,” cautioned Naivasha Deputy County Commissioner Kisilu Mutua
Multiple reports alleged that cartels had targeted the farm for years.
5 Kenyan Figures: Recent Property Raids
