Residents of Evergreen Estate in Kiambu County are locked in a tense standoff with a private developer they accuse of openly defying the law. What began as a quiet construction project has escalated into protests, court action, and allegations of official protection.
Homeowners claim that a multi-story building is being illegally erected within their gated community, thereby undermining zoning regulations, posing a safety threat, and devaluing their investments. Despite stop orders and court directives, construction has allegedly continued during festive holidays, deepening anger and mistrust among residents who now demand accountability.
Evergreen Estate residents confront illegal construction and official silence
The protests in Evergreen Estate, located in Mwihoko Ward within Kahawa Sukari, Kiambu County, reveal a growing crisis in urban planning enforcement. Residents say a developer identified as Geoffrey Kariuki Gitau is putting up multi-storey rental units inside the gated estate, which is legally designated for single-dwelling residential use.
According to documents and complaints filed by homeowners, Evergreen Estate was approved strictly for private residences. Lease agreements reportedly limit each plot to one residential house, with an optional guest house, and explicitly prohibit commercial developments or high-density housing.
Residents say these conditions are being blatantly ignored. They claim the developer proceeded with construction without approved plans, despite repeated warnings and formal intervention by county authorities. On Sunday, December 28, residents gathered at the site in protest, accusing the contractor of exploiting the festive season when most enforcement officers and officials were away.
“This is a deliberate attempt to beat the system,” one resident said during the protest. “He knows enforcement is weak during holidays, so he rushed workers to the site.” Their anger is not only directed at the developer but also at institutions they say have failed to enforce the law.
Stop orders and court directives ignored in Evergreen Estate
Residents say they reported the project to the Kiambu County Government, which issued a stop order on October 7, 2024. They also moved to court and obtained orders barring any further construction pending resolution of the dispute.
Despite these measures, homeowners allege that construction never truly stopped.
“He has sent his masons back to the site in defiance of the order in place,” residents stated in their formal complaint. “This is happening openly, without fear of consequences.”
Photographic evidence attached to petitions sent to the county government and the National Construction Authority shows ongoing masonry works and structural additions. Residents argue that the continued activity demonstrates either institutional weakness or deliberate protection of the developer.
They warn that allowing court orders and county directives to be ignored sets a dangerous precedent, not just for Evergreen Estate, but for planned estates across Kiambu County and the Nairobi metropolitan area.
Safety risks and loss of value worry homeowners
Beyond zoning violations, residents say the construction poses serious safety and infrastructure risks. They argue that the multi-storey structure was not subjected to proper inspection or approval, raising fears about structural integrity.
“This building has no approved plans and poses a serious safety risk to neighboring properties,” the residents wrote in their complaint.
Evergreen Estate was designed for low-density living, with infrastructure such as drainage, roads, and sewer systems calibrated for single-family homes. Residents fear that high-density rental units could overwhelm these systems, increasing the risk of flooding, sewage failures, and traffic congestion.
There are also concerns about property values. Homeowners say they invested heavily in Evergreen Estate because of its controlled development model. They argue that introducing rental blocks fundamentally alters the character of the estate and could significantly reduce property prices.
“This is not just about one building,” said another resident. “It is about protecting the integrity of our community.”
ELC E098-1_250528_190501Allegations of political protection cloud Evergreen Estate dispute
The dispute has taken a more serious turn with allegations of political interference. Residents accuse the developer of boasting that he enjoys protection from powerful figures within the Kiambu County Government, including links to the Governor’s office.
These claims have intensified suspicion among homeowners, who say the lack of decisive enforcement suggests undue influence.
Residents have also called on the Kenya Revenue Authority to investigate the developer, alleging that he owns multiple rental properties and does not remit the required taxes. While these claims remain unproven, they reflect growing frustration with what residents perceive as selective application of the law.
There was no immediate response from the contractor regarding the allegations. However, the Governor’s office said it is investigating the matter and will take necessary action.
For residents of Evergreen Estate, that assurance offers little comfort. They insist that only visible enforcement, demolition of illegal works if necessary, and penalties for violations will restore confidence.
Their demands are clear. They want zoning laws upheld, court orders respected, and public safety prioritized over private interests. The unfolding situation in Evergreen Estate now stands as a test of whether planning laws in Kiambu County have real force or are merely optional when influence and money come into play.
