LAND belonging to two Nairobi primary schools have been grabbed by private developers before Christmas – evoking memories of the infamous Langata Primary School grab last year.
The Langata grab on Christmas holiday caused a nationwide furor and the developer was forced to give back the stolen land.
Investigations by the Star showed that this Christmas developers have hived off land at the Nairobi Primary School compound on Processional Way, heading toward State House; and at the Lavington Primary and Secondary School near Lavington Mall.
Building materials are on site and perimeter walls were being built.
But there's another outcry.
National Land Commission Chair Muhammad Swazuri yesterday visited Lavington Primary School and said the NLC will revoke any title deed obtained illegally.
"Private developers think everybody is out of town and gone for Christmas. They think the whole government is asleep. We will not allow that," he told the Star.
A check by the Star showed the Nairobi Primary School compound has been hived off and a perimeter wall is being built.
Building materials including sand, ballast and stones are at the site and the foundation for the wall has been laid.
At Lavington Primary School, one gate has been brought down.
Headmistress Agnes Ndolo said it was demolished by an unidentified private developer.
"He came on Saturday when schools have closed. I was called and told the gate has been demolished and a bulldozer was on site excavating," she said.
Ndolo said she has been a headmistress for six years and no one has ever claimed to own part of the 16 acres occupied by the Lavington Secondary and Primary schools.
"All work without play makes Jack a dull boy. The developers should know we need the land and it's ours – not theirs," she said.
Two watchmen told the Star the developer brought an earthmover and four trucks and demolished the gate.
An AP officer at one of the gates is said to have teamed up with the public to evict the developer.
The watchmen, who requested anonymity, said the developer returned on Monday and demolished part of the perimeter wall.
At Langata Primary School, a perimeter wall was built separating the playground from the Weston Hotel.
During a demonstration against the grab police used teargas to dispel pupils and the public.
Yesterday, Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko condemned demolition of the school wall and apparent takeover of the Nairobi Primary School land.
Sonko said he will fight to the end to ensure the private developers are kicked out.
Nairobi assembly speaker Alex ole Magelo asked Governor Evans Kidero to take action against those officers who approved developers construction at Nairobi Primary School.
"We are having a problem of county officers approving illegal constructions and construction on public land," he said.
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