Embakasi residents want Kenya Power stopped from demolishing their houses

Residents of Embakasi area, Nairobi County, have now moved to court to challenge plans by Kenya Power to demolish their buildings.

The over 600 residents of Saika Estate, Omega, Chemichemi, Mwengenyi, within Embakasi sub-county claim that the plans are without legal basis, unreasonable and motivated by irrelevant considerations.

They now want the court to stop the power provider from proceeding pending hearing and determination of the suit.

They also want the court to quash the verbal or any other form of notice issued by Kenya Power threatening to cause the demolition of the properties constructed 15 meters on either side of the way leave.

It is the residents’ argument that if Kenya Power goes on with the plans then they will be rendered homeless.

Kenya Power, in its response, asked the court to dismiss the case saying it issued notices in December last year and further allowed adequate and ample time for compliance.

Kenya Power further accused the residents of encroaching into the land, adding that structures erected within the reserved way leave area of 67.04 meters are illegal and any purported allocation of the said area for settlement, occupation or approval by Nairobi County or usage of the land within the said way leave are irregular.