Three killed, scores injured in Athi River land clashes

Three people have been killed and over 20 injured in Athi River, Machakos County during clashes between two groups over the ownership of a disputed piece of land at the East African Portland Cement company.

According to area OCPD, Sharma Wario, two groups clashed after they both claimed ownership of the land.

At least 40 houses were demolished by unknown assailants in a dawn raid at the disputed piece of land off Green Park Estate.

Eyewitness say that over 200 youths were ferried from Nairobi in buses at around 7:00 am before they demolished houses and setting others on fire.

Area residents responded resulting to a fierce fight between two factions.

In November last year, the country’s third largest cement maker by market share announced plans to sell part of its 13,000 acres to help it return to profitability.

However, residents in some of the areas where the company proposed to dispose off parcels of land it owns want to be given first priority in the planned sale.

The company plans to raise about Ksh 8 billion from the proposed transaction.