Squatters in Delamere farm ‘threatened’ with eviction

By Antony Gitonga

NAIVASHA, KENYA: A group of squatters in Naivasha are accusing some influential traders, Government officials and a leading flower farm of trying to kick them out of land they have occupied since 1952.

The 152 families living in Manera Farm accused the group of using unorthodox means to throw them out from land given to them by Lord Delamere. Tension is high in the oldest village in Naivasha after a notice given to the families expired last month.

Village chairman Joseph Maina, said Delamere gave part of his land to their ancestors who worked for him. “The remains of our grandparents and parents are here,” he said.

Councillor Simon Wanyoike Wanango said he was aware of the plot to evict the squatters and had raised the issue with senior Government officers. He warned the grabbers to keep off the land.