Uasin Gishu Evictions: Muslim Foundation Steps In as Victims Decry ‘Brutal’ Church Demolitions.
A victim of the Pioneer evictions carries food supplies donated by the Hudda Muslim Foundation, offering a lifeline to families displaced by the Tuesday demolitions in Uasin Gishu County
By Hubz Media Reporter
Families displaced by a controversial eviction in Pioneer, Uasin Gishu County, have received humanitarian support from the Hudda Muslim Foundation following Tuesday’s early morning demolitions that left dozens homeless.
The evictions, carried out on a disputed 12-acre parcel of land allegedly linked to the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), have sparked outrage among residents, human rights groups, and religious leaders, with concerns mounting over the humanitarian impact and legality of the process.
Speaking on Thursday during a food distribution exercise, Muslim cleric Sheikh Abubakar Bini called for urgent intervention from church leadership, political actors, and humanitarian agencies.
“We are urging the church, especially the leadership of the ACK, to sympathise with the elderly, women, and children who have suffered following these evictions from a place they have called home for decades,” said Bini.
“These families have no food, no bedding, and children who were sitting their end-term exams have lost their books. Many, as we speak, have no shelter.”
Bini criticized the manner in which the eviction was conducted, terming it insensitive to the humanitarian consequences.
“It is unfortunate that such an eviction was undertaken without considering the crisis it would occasion. When the vulnerable feel oppressed or face calamities, they often seek refuge in places of worship. Today, these families have been evicted by an institution they trusted. Where else are they expected to go?” he posed.
Legal Questions Emerge
Human rights activists Kimutai Kirui and Juma Akumu have vowed to challenge the eviction in court, alleging procedural violations despite an existing court ruling in favour of the church.
“While the court may have issued a ruling, due process must be followed. Proper eviction orders were not obtained,” said Kirui.
“Instead, an auctioneer acting outside the law was used, falsely claiming residents were illegal occupants of church housing.”
Akumu further alleged excessive force and misconduct during the operation.
“The church allegedly hired goons who were paid to carry out the demolitions, while police officers were deployed to enforce what we believe were unlawful evictions. We will pursue justice for these families,” he said.
Victims Recount Ordeal
Residents described the eviction as chaotic and traumatic, with bulldozers moving in at dawn.
Jamila Bonaya, one of the affected residents, said many victims are now living in dire conditions.
“Many of the women and children here are sick, especially the elderly. The eviction was brutal and without notice. Police were accompanied by hundreds of hired goons. It was a terrible morning—many now have no homes, no food, and no clothing,” she said.
Yvonne Achieng’, another resident, recounted how her home was destroyed despite prior assurances.
“The church had given me a place to live and even promised my house would not be demolished. That morning, my children were preparing for school when we heard chaos and bulldozers,” she said.
“Women and children were screaming as houses were brought down. Police stood by as everything we owned was reduced to nothing. I can barely feed my family now.”
Edna Chepkorir criticized local leaders for what she termed as silence in the face of suffering.
“Why has the government remained silent while we are being evicted? The governor has not even visited to assess our situation,” she said.
“They will come looking for votes in 2027, but we will remember this. Even our MCA has not offered any help.”
Chepkorir also urged the church to consider allocating part of the land to the displaced families.
“Out of the 12 acres the church claims, they can at least set aside three acres for the affected families,” she added.
Calls for Leadership Intervention
Affected residents have appealed to Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, and other regional leaders to intervene and provide immediate relief, noting that many lost all their belongings during the 4:00 a.m. eviction.
Background and Wider Context
Forced evictions remain a recurring issue in Kenya, often pitting landowners against informal settlers. In recent years, similar demolitions in areas such as Kariobangi in Nairobi and Ruai have drawn criticism from rights groups and international organisations, including Amnesty International, which has consistently called for adherence to legal procedures and protection of vulnerable populations.
Kenyan law requires that evictions follow due process, including adequate notice, court-sanctioned orders, and provision for humane relocation where possible. Failure to adhere to these standards has frequently resulted in legal challenges and public outcry.
As the Pioneer situation unfolds, attention is now shifting to the courts and humanitarian agencies, with pressure mounting on both the church and government authorities to address the immediate needs of displaced families while ensuring accountability in the eviction process.
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