Elected Leaders Blamed For Deceiving Citizens Into Investing In Disputed Land

The Real Estate Stakeholders Association (RESA) has blamed elected leaders for hoodwinking citizens
into buying disputed land.

While condemning the demolition, RESA notes that the land in question has in the past labelled as
having disputes but elected leaders whom they didn’t mention cunningly lured citizens to the land.

In a statement seen by JEDCA MEDIA, RESA said that they are deeply saddened by the demolitions as it caused suffering to innocent residents.

“These demolitions have not only left a trail of destruction but have also left numerous innocent residents and landowners in state of despair,” RESA said in a statement.

RESA said that the residents had been warned in the past against purchasing the land by former Machakos governor Alfred Mutua adding that East African Portland Cement Company had also alerted
buyers about the disputed land by erecting billboards.

“Residents of the disputed East African Portland Cement land in Athi River had been forewarned against
purchasing land in the area by their former governor Dr. Alfred Mutual,” the statement read.

“East African Portland Cement Company had also taken proactive measures by erecting warning billboards to alert potential buyers about disputed land. Unfortunately, it has come to our attention that
certain elected leaders, suspected of being involved in attempted land grabbing, persuaded people to disregard this warning,” added RESA.

Even though they stand in solidarity with the affected members, RESA acknowledged that ignorance is
not an excuse.

“(We) stand in solidarity with the affected members in their pursuit of justice. While we understand that ignorance is not an excuse, we firmly believe that the elected leaders played a significant role in confusing innocent citizens who sought to invest their hard-earned money in the region,” RESA said.

Further, RESA urged those who wants to buy land to work exclusively with companies which have
approval from RESA.

“We recognize the importance of restoring trust and confidence in real estate investment, and for that
reason, we encourage all prospective land buyers to work exclusively with companies that have been
vetted and approved by RESA,” RESA added.