Police kick out intruders from Kenyatta land

Police yesterday repulsed a group of intruders who had invaded land belonging to retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s family as leaders condemned Monday’s invasion.

Police drawn from various stations were deployed to Northlands farm which the previous day was the scene of an attack by a mob that stole hundreds of sheep, cut down trees and erected makeshift beacons and structures.

The invaders had slaughtered some of the sheep while others sold the animals to motorists along the Eastern Bypass. They also set on fire huge chunks of the farm owned by former First Lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta.

Led by Ruiru Sub-County Police Commander Alex Shikondi, the security officers stormed the farm accompanied by Northlands employees and pulled down some structures that had been erected by the intruders.

A senior officer, who declined to be named, said police had been overpowered by the large crowd of goons who had raided the place.

Earlier, Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome said no complaint had been reported on the attack. According to the IG, investigations into the matter will only commence when a complaint is made.

“No complaint has been made and therefore investigations into the alleged attack and stealing of livestock cannot be done. You do an investigation based on reported complaints “ the IG said.

However, in a press statement issued later, the IG said his office had received reports of an invasion at a private farm in Kiambu County by goons and another at a company in Nairobi’s Embakasi area.

Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga, who led his colleagues to visit the farm, condemned the act which he said was sanctioned by the Kenya Kwanza administration.

“This was a well planned move by those in government led by Rigathi Gachagua and his ilk to raid private property and cause wanton destruction It is a shameful act that should be condemned in the strongest terms possible,” said Raila.

He was accompanied by Narc Kenya’s Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka of Wiper, ODM’s Wycliffe Oparanya and Roots Party leader George Wajackoyah.

Elsewhere, Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula also condemned the attacks and destruction of property on the farm.

Local leaders also condemned the attack and called for legal action against the perpetrators. They accused the police for doing nothing to stop the attack.

Gatong’ora Ward Member of County Assembly Dan Gitau and Kiambu ODM chairman Charles Mbugua called for the arrest of those behind the raid which they said set a dangerous precedence.

Gitau said the raiders had been brought in buses from as far as Nyeri and warned Kikuyu leaders against being used to divide the community.

“The public deserves an explanation from the police for their inaction. Where were they when the intruders took over the farm for more than 10 hours?” he posed.

“When President Moi took over from Mzee Kenyatta, he continued to protect his property and so did Mwai Kibaki. President William Ruto should not allow people to damage his image as a Head of State,” said the MCA.

Mbugua criticised some politicians from Central Kenya whom he linked to the raid on the farm and told the government to take firm action against the attackers and their masterminds.

“If the government does not take action then the perpetrators may become more bold and continue with the attacks elsewhere,” he said.

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