- The opposition faulted President William Ruto for allowing the injustice to continue under his watch.
- Raila added that the process is a gross violation of human rights and rights to adequate housing.
Azimio La Umoja Leader Raila Odinga has described the ongoing evictions at the East African Portland Cement Company (EAPCC) as ungodly. https://rb.gy/rlj6e
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Azimio La Umoja Leader Raila Odinga has described the ongoing evictions at the East African Portland Cement Company (EAPCC) as ungodly.
Speaking to the media when he visited the site, the opposition faulted President William Ruto for allowing the injustice to continue under his watch.
"What is going on here is ungodly. During Ruto's campaign in July 2022, he had promised to abolish unlawful demolitions in the country this is exactly what he is doing," he said.
Raila added that the process is a gross violation of human rights and rights to adequate housing.
"This is coming at a time when the government is pushing to have everyone in the country have good shelter. What is going on here indicates a systematic disregard of recognised human rights standards," he said.
He added that the most affected people are among the poorest of the poor and upcoming middle class who have witnessed their lifelong savings turned to ashes.
"Children who are learning in some of the schools here have seen their school going down despite upcoming national examinations. The eviction has taken place just as the rains are coming in, and left without alternative accommodation and essential needs," he noted.
Raila further alleged that the evictions had been accompanied by excessive use of force by police and local authorities, who intended to inflict human pain and damages.
"There have been reports of injuries, and theft of property belonging to the people who are suffering from loss."
He urged the government to have a plan for settling the affected people.
"What was the urge to use force? Why not allow people to move out peacefully, let us say next year? We are talking about people who most likely used the company cement to construct houses only for the houses to be demolished by the same company," he said.
Raila noted that as the opposition, they will not allow the process to go unchallenged.
"This brutality will not go unchallenged, we need the government to act."
The opposition leader was denied access to the premises, as the authorities cited an ongoing process that should be completed before visitation.
He was accompanied by Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, and Stewart Madzayo, among other leaders.