NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 10 — Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has thrown his weight behind Nyayo Estate residents in their opposition to what they allege is an attempt by the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) to grab and allocate public utility land within the estate.

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Owino accused NSSF of selling and allocating public utility land in Nyayo Estate and Tassia, warning that the spaces should remain available for community use.

“We strongly condemn the sale and allocation of public utility land by NSSF in Nyayo Estate and Tassia, Embakasi East. Public land must remain public,” Owino said.

The MP said residents should resist any attempt to convert open spaces and other community facilities for private benefit, arguing that the land serves thousands of residents.

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“Public land and utility spaces belong to the people. They cannot be illegally grabbed, fenced off, sold or converted for private gain at the expense of thousands of residents who depend on these spaces for schools, recreation, drainage, roads and other essential community facilities,” he said.

His remarks come as residents prepare to stage a peaceful demonstration on Friday, August 14, over the alleged grabbing and unlawful allocation of open spaces within Nyayo Estate.

The Nyayo Embakasi Residents Association (NERA) said the protest follows a public baraza held at the NERA Grounds on August 2, where residents resolved to take action over the fate of the estate’s open spaces.

According to a notice signed by NERA chairman Wycliffe Omuya, residents had initially planned to demonstrate on August 6. However, the protest was disrupted by police, resulting in the arrest of nine youths.

The association said the nine were later released unconditionally following intervention by residents and other concerned parties.

Residents were subsequently advised by police to issue a three-day notice before staging another demonstration.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya