Kenya Land Scandal in Naivasha Deepens as Kenya Railways Property Falls to Private Hands

The construction of a multibillion-shilling mall on Kenya Railways land in Naivasha has sparked a storm of political outrage and public anger, reopening old wounds of forced evictions, state brutality, and land grabbing by politically connected elites. The land in question, located along Moi Road, is no stranger to controversy—just three years ago, bulldozers backed by armed police demolished over 300 businesses on the very same property, leaving thousands jobless and homeless overnight.

At the time, the government defended the demolitions, declaring the land was “illegally occupied government property” and that the clearances were part of a wider plan to reclaim state land. Among the demolished properties was a five-star hotel and several SMEs that had been operating legally for years, some even with county approvals and tax compliance certificates. Business owners who pleaded for time to move were met with teargas and whips under the cover of night. Their pain now returns with new fury—because the land has not been used for any public project. Instead, it has now “mysteriously” fallen into private hands.

Today, modern petrol stations, a high-end shopping complex, a luxury hotel, and an entertainment lounge are being constructed on the land at breakneck speed—24 hours a day. According to area residents and leaders, this is a deliberate move to mask corruption through rapid development before legal questions can be raised. Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara has demanded transparency, accusing powerful individuals tied to the presidency of orchestrating the takeover. “Part of the land set aside for the stadium has been grabbed by those in the government, and we have had enough and it’s time to now act,” she lamented.

This land scandal is yet another example of how state power is weaponized against ordinary Kenyans while shielding economic cartels. Once again, the big question arises: Who truly owns Kenya? The poor who build businesses through sweat and sacrifice—or the well-connected few who thrive through corruption, deception, and impunity?

The Naivasha land saga is not just a local story—it is a national shame and a painful reminder that in Kenya, justice often belongs to those who can afford it. If this land grab is allowed to stand, then no Kenyan business—big or small—will ever be safe from the machinery of power.