Political analyst Mutahi Ngunyi has expressed concern over the recent invasion of a piece of land owned by former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s family.
According to Mr. Ngunyi, the incident, which occurred on Monday, reminded him of the 2007 post-election violence that rocked the country, and warned that the government needed to take action to contain the situation.
Mr. Ngunyi made the comments after dozens of goons invaded an expansive land owned by the Kenyatta family in Kamakis on the Eastern Bypass in Nairobi, looting property of unknown value. A similar attack was also reported at gas cylinder-maker Specter East Africa, a company linked to opposition leader Raila Odinga’s family.
The gang that invaded the Kenyatta land were reportedly wielding machetes and clubs, and proceeded to cut down trees and burn bushes, with some appearing to be dividing the land in a bid to grab it. The motive of the invasion remains unclear.
Speaking about the incident, Mr. Ngunyi warned that if the “logic” of burning property of political opponents continued to spread, the country would be in trouble, and only the military would be able to contain it. He was referring to media reports that the government may have been promoting such actions.
Interestingly, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwah had earlier alluded to the invasion of the Kenyatta property in a speech where he warned that those who instigate violence and bloodshed in the country would pay a price, including those with large pieces of land.
