According to the MP, the protest was organised after families from Soweto Zone B raised concerns about being moved without proper communication or involvement in the decision-making process.
Jalang’o said their goal was not to oppose development but to ensure that any relocation respects the rights and voices of residents.
He explained that he, together with the area MCA, led the community to the Ministry of Housing where they submitted a petition outlining their fears about displacement and lack of public participation.
He explained that he, together with the area MCA, led the community to the Ministry of Housing where they submitted a petition outlining their fears about displacement and lack of public participation.
The petition asked the ministry to first meet the residents, explain the relocation plans, and guarantee the people’s safety and compensation.
Jalang’o later announced that after discussions with government officials, an agreement was reached to pause the planned evictions.
Jalang’o later announced that after discussions with government officials, an agreement was reached to pause the planned evictions.
He added that the housing ministry committed to starting a transparent engagement process before any final decision is made.
While the Lang’ata protest remained peaceful, tension continues to rise in other parts of the country. Earlier in the week, 63 people were arrested in Kakamega County after violent clashes linked to contested gold mining activities.
While the Lang’ata protest remained peaceful, tension continues to rise in other parts of the country. Earlier in the week, 63 people were arrested in Kakamega County after violent clashes linked to contested gold mining activities.
The situation in Isulu, Ikolomani, turned deadly as the number of people who lost their lives rose to four. One of the victims succumbed to gunshot injuries while receiving treatment at the county referral hospital.
Security officers reported that several others—including three civilians and two police officers—are still hospitalised in critical condition.
Security officers reported that several others—including three civilians and two police officers—are still hospitalised in critical condition.
Among those arrested are Idaho Central MCA Akidias Liyai and nominated MCA Anne Muluwale, who police claim helped organise and fund the demonstrations.
Families of the detained individuals gathered outside Kakamega Central Police Station demanding their release.
Families of the detained individuals gathered outside Kakamega Central Police Station demanding their release.
Some residents accused the police of using excessive force and conducting door-to-door raids in the middle of the night.
The unrest was triggered by resistance to a British-owned mining company that recently announced the discovery of a major gold deposit in the region.
The unrest was triggered by resistance to a British-owned mining company that recently announced the discovery of a major gold deposit in the region.
Officials estimate the discovery to be worth around KSh 683 billion. The project requires about 337 acres of land, which may displace more than 800 families, raising serious concerns about land rights and compensation.
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