This archive report was first published on 25 May 2020.
On Saturday morning, a county bulldozer tore through the house of Pauline Alexander, a 95-year-old woman and mother of former nominated MP Catherine Nyamato, in Nyamira County. The demolition was part of a larger effort to create a bypass in the area, which has been plagued by poor infrastructural planning and lack of county government oversight.
Ms. Nyamato condemned the county government's actions, calling them insensitive at a time when many are struggling to recover from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Her mother was hospitalized after collapsing from shock and is currently responding well to treatment.
Investors who had erected rental houses and business premises on areas marked as road reserves have accused the county of trespass on their property. Former Kiabonyoru MCA James Sabwengi, who had set up an agricultural foods processing factory in an area claimed by the county government, is among businessmen counting losses after it was demolished.
According to Mr. Sabwengi, the county erred in demolishing his warehouses and the factory, which he estimated to be worth Sh15 million. Roads and Public Works Executive John Omanwa defended the demolition, saying those affected flouted urban rules, which stipulate that bypasses should not be encroached.
Ms. Nyamato questioned the county government's actions, saying, 'The people who are being affected by the demolitions chose their leaders. Where are they to defend them? We need protection from such oppressive actions by the county government.'
