Business operators demand compensation after Kenya Railways demolishes Lunar Park

Property worth millions shillings at Nairobi’s Lunar Park was lost following overnight demolitions as Kenya Railways moved to reclaim the land for construction of the Nairobi Expressway Road Project.

Sources who spoke to Citizen Digital said authorities descended on the area with cranes and excavators on Tuesday night.

On Wednesday morning, a dozen of police officers kept vigil at the gate, only allowing hotel workers into the highly guarded premises.

Business operators within premises who woke up only to find the space flattened are now demanding for compensation.

Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) Director General Mohamed Badi visited the scene following the demolitions and assured the business owners that a reasonable agreement would be reached.

“We assure businessmen of their security…we are not chasing you away, we will just realign your businesses to serve the people coming into the city…we require cooperation from you,” he said.

Lunar Park Traders Association Chairman Clifford Ngwala on Tuesday told the press said, “We are legitimate business owners who have been here for the last 10 years paying our rents to the Kenya Railways Retirement Benefit Scheme without fail and we demand for a clear plan for our eviction and compensation before we leave the premises.”

The amusement park featured a variety of leisure and gaming activities for families and children.

LUNAR PARK YABOMOLEWA
Kituo cha biashara na burudani cha Lunar Park Nairobi chabomolewa
Mkurugenzi wa huduma za jiji la Nairobi asema wanatafuta suluhu
Wafanyabiashara wanataka walipwe fidia ya mamilioni ya pesa#SemaNaCitizen pic.twitter.com/3MVmI4K2H0

— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) September 16, 2020