The East African Portland Cement company has issued a public notice to regularize ownership and sell three disputed parcels of land in Mavoko, Kenya.
The cement manufacturer said it will first offer preferential purchase rights to parties currently occupying sections of the land parcels numbered LR No. 8784/144, 145 and 653. Occupants have 14 days from the notice date to confirm their claim to the sections they currently live on.
After the two-week period expires, EAPC stated it will open up sales for any remaining unclaimed portions of the parcels to the general public. The company said it will handle these transactions on a “willing buyer, willing seller basis.”
“First and preferential priority shall be offered to the parties currently occupying sections of the said parcels,” the public notice stated. “Those in this kind of situation are advised to state their claim of the same within 14 days from the date of this notice.”
EAPC has established a dedicated site office and office at its premises along Namanga Road to facilitate the regularization and sale process.
The move comes after years of tense land disputes between the cement maker and local residents in the Athi River area.
In the last four days, authorities demolished over 100 homes on land claimed by EAPC, leaving hundreds homeless.
Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka fiercely condemned the demolitions, calling them a “human rights violation.” Musyoka said leaders were barred from accessing the evicted families to provide food, clothing and bedding. At least five churches and two schools were also reportedly leveled during the mass evictions.
Musyoka and three Members of Parliament – Patrick Makau, Stephen Mule and Robert Mbui – urged President William Ruto to immediately halt the demolitions. But security forces blocked the officials from delivering aid and supplies to affected residents who were left to sleep in the open.