In a heart-wrenching turn of events, four families find themselves homeless on Christmas night after the Tharaka Nithi County government proceeded with the demolition of houses they occupied on the Chuka County Referral Hospital land.
The structures, originally constructed by the National government years ago to house hospital staff, were demolished following a notice served on November 28, 2023.
Lands and Housing Chief Officer Mbae Karuku and Medical Services Counterpart Karani Riungu confirmed that the occupants had until yesterday to vacate the premises, and all managed to remove their belongings by the deadline.
“The county government is actively reclaiming public property and land from private individuals,” stated Mr. Karuku, aligning with Governor Muthomi Njuki’s commitment to recovering public land during the recent Jamhuri Day Celebrations.
Mr. Riungu highlighted the varied circumstances of the occupants, revealing that some were former hospital employees, including retirees and deceased individuals whose families continued to reside in the houses.
Additionally, some houses were rented to the public by retired hospital staff, who served as landlords.
As a part of the county’s redevelopment plan, Mr. Riungu explained, “We have demolished the illegally occupied houses to pave the way for the construction of a modern car park for the hospital on the land.”
