Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga encountered a police blockade on Tuesday when he attempted to access the Portland Demolitions Site in Athi River.
In a video captured at the scene, the officer overseeing the demolitions argued that Raila and his team would disrupt the ongoing process, resulting in their being instructed to return the following week.
"We are not doing anything wrong. We are doing what needs to be done, and that is returning this land back to the public," the officer firmly stated. "You can continue to conduct your meeting elsewhere and meet people elsewhere but not here," he added.
Despite the officer's instructions, the ODM leader insisted on gaining access to the site, placing blame on the government for the demolitions that have left hundreds of Kenyans homeless.
"Allow us to pass as we want to see what's going on," Raila asserted.
"We will not allow because we know what you want to do," the officer responded, vowing not to grant access until the clearing process was complete.
During this encounter, Raila was accompanied by Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, and Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo, among other political figures.
Subsequently, a contingent of officers escorted the political leaders away from the site. Shortly after this, Raila addressed the press, leveling accusations against President Ruto's administration for not upholding Kenyan citizens' rights.
He expressed bewilderment over the demolitions targeting impoverished families who now find themselves without basic shelter, especially with El Nino rains looming.
"What is going on here is forced eviction, the very thing Ruto promised to end in July last year. It is a gross violation of human rights; the right to adequate housing, while the administration claims to be working toward ensuring shelter for all," Raila pointed out.
"What is happening here indicates a systematic disregard for recognized human rights standards by the State. The affected families, including some of the poorest and the emerging middle class, have seen lifelong savings demolished and turned to ashes."
Raila also questioned why the government didn't choose to resettle the victims through the Settlement Fund, opting instead for the use of force against Kenyan citizens.
He called upon the head of state to cease the demolitions and share immediate plans for compensating the destroyed properties.
"What is the urgent and significant use of the land that outweighs people's lives and savings? What is this urgent use that does not allow people time to vacate by, say, next year? Are there personal interests hidden under the guise of public interest?" he questioned.
"Does the East African Portland Cement understand that there are measures people can take to push back and potentially end the company's existence? We are talking about individuals who likely used the company's cement to construct their homes, only to see those very houses destroyed in the company's name."
The government initiated the demolitions in Athi River on Saturday, October 13, following Ruto's order for the Ministry of Lands to revoke title deeds for undeveloped land in the area for over a decade.