This archive report was first published on 14 July 2020.
On July 13, 2020, a tense situation unfolded in Parklands, Nairobi, as workers on a construction site received word that a private investor, Badi, and his team were heading their way.
Despite the disputed ownership of the land, the workers decided to enter the city to avoid any potential confrontation.
Badi, dressed in his official military attire, visited the site accompanied by several security officials and local politicians, including Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi.
Wanyonyi and Parklands Highridge MCA Jayendra Malde have been vocal about the land grab, claiming that the private investor had purchased the land meant for a public hospital.
As Badi arrived at the site, workers were forced to enter the city to avoid any potential confrontation with the private investor and his team.
However, after Badi donned his official attire and was accompanied by security officials and local politicians, the workers were forced to enter the city.
Wanyonyi stated, "The land in question is meant for a clinic in Highridge, but a private investor has bought it and is now building houses for people to live in. We have been trying to reclaim the land for public use, but to no avail."
Badi assured residents that the situation had been brought under control and that the land was now public property.
He warned, "Anyone found on this land will be arrested and charged. We cannot have a situation where some individuals feel above the law."
