Police lobe teargas as elders curse, reject affordable housing in Githunguri

Kikuyu elders stage a protest in Githunguri at a land where the government is planning to build affordable housing. [George Njunge, Standard]

Githunguri township was, for some time, turned into a battleground as police fought with elders and youth protesting against the use of what land they regard as sacred for an affordable housing project.

Trouble started when tens of police officers blocked roads in a bid to stop the members of the Kikuyu Council of Elders from accessing the 58-acre piece of land. The continued presence of police heightened tension with groups of people dotted throughout the town, talking in hushed tones.