The County Government of Taita Taveta has condemned illegal and violent evictions that occurred in Mkocheni and Kachero areas of Taveta Sub-County in the early hours of Sunday, October 5, 2025, demanding an immediate halt to what it terms unlawful land grabbing.
Deputy Governor Christine Kilalo, who read the press release on behalf of the county government, revealed that residents were evicted from a 1,000-acre parcel of land near Lake Jipe around 2:00 a.m., in what she described as a gross violation of human rights and constitutional provisions.
The evictions of over 300 people were reportedly conducted by private individuals or institutions without legitimate land ownership claims and in blatant disregard of a court order issued on June 25, 2025, which prohibited any form of eviction or interference with the residents.
“When I talk about such issues at this time, I feel so bad because people with wealth use their offices to oppress the citizens of Taita Taveta. These issues are not happening just in Mkocheni and Kachero, we are waiting for more where people are going to be displaced,” Kilalo said.
The Deputy Governor expressed concern over the growing fear among residents across the county, noting that several other places are also facing the threat of eviction. She questioned the fate of displaced Kenyans, asking where they would go if forced out of their homes.
“For those of us in power, we have turned into something like a cat that gives birth and then eats its young ones,” she said.
Kilalo stressed that the evictions must follow due process and respect the law. “If someone is to be evicted, it should be done within the law and with respect,” she stated.
The county government has cited multiple constitutional and legal provisions that the evictions violated, including Article 40 of the Constitution, which protects every person against arbitrary deprivation of property, and Article 43(b), which guarantees the right to accessible and adequate housing.
According to the press release, “Any eviction conducted without a court order, legal notice, public participation, and humane relocation plans is unconstitutional and therefore null and void.”
The county government also emphasized that land surveying and mapping fall under its mandate as stipulated in the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution, making any land reorganization or eviction conducted without its involvement null and void.
The press release further noted that the use of police officers in eviction operations without court authorization amounts to abuse of power and violation of the law.
In her remarks, Kilalo criticized what she termed as greed among the wealthy, stating that the rich cannot sustain themselves without the poor.
“The rich cannot live by themselves without the poor. There is no profit for one to own everything which in turn will be left behind. We have everything to be able to give everyone a place to live in peace, but we don’t have enough wealth to satisfy the greed that we are seeing. This is greed,” she said, adding that, “Taita Taveta residents live in fear because they don’t know how tomorrow will be.”
The Taita Taveta County Government has taken several measures to address the crisis. County Legal and Land Inspection Teams have been directed to investigate land ownership and residency records, and to take appropriate legal action.
“The County Government has appointed a lawyer to represent the interests of the residents of Mkocheni and Kachero in all important legal matters, including contempt of court, against individuals and institutions that violate the court orders given on 25th June 2025,” the press release stated.
The county has also called upon the National Land Commission, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to conduct investigations and take action against those involved.
The government warned that anyone involved in threats, intimidation, or use of physical force during the process of evicting residents from their land will face legal action, including criminal charges and possible imprisonment if found guilty, especially if the eviction is carried out after the lawful period has ended.
The county government has urged residents to remain calm and report any threats to relevant offices or local leaders, while calling upon security agencies to uphold the law and protect residents’ rights.
In a final statement, the county government declared that the land of Taita Taveta belongs to its people and will not be taken by force.
“The County Government of Taita Taveta will not allow the county to become a testing ground for land speculators, wealthy individuals, or faceless institutions that displace residents,” the press release stated.
The government has also called upon the National Government, civil society organizations, and Human Rights Bodies to support Taita Taveta residents in defending justice, dignity, and the Constitution of the Republic of Kenya.
The evictions come amid ongoing land disputes in various parts of the county, with many residents facing similar threats of displacement without due process or adequate compensation.
