Chaos and destruction hit Karunga village in Gilgil, Nakuru County, after police reportedly supervised the demolition of seven families’ homes under a mistaken court order. Residents said the demolitions, which began shortly after 1:30 a.m., involved a convoy of over 30 armed police officers and a bulldozer, leaving homes, livestock shelters, and small businesses reduced to rubble. CCTV footage captured the bulldozer demolishing structures while uniformed officers stood by, prompting outrage and fear among the community. Several residents reported being assaulted and having valuables looted during the raid.
Eyewitnesses said the demolitions were carried out using a court order intended for a different parcel, Block 4/82 in Gilgil town, whereas the affected families legally own Karunga Block 9. Joseph Gitonga, a 17-year resident, and others insisted that the police ignored clear property titles and safety concerns. We are on our own land with freehold titles. The order clearly states demolition of Block 4/82, yet our homes were destroyed, said Steven Thiru, a local farmer who suffered losses worth over KSh 3.5 million. Four residents were injured during the incident, including one who sustained stab wounds while defending his property.
Represented by lawyer Anthony Mukira, the families insist there is a valid court stay order protecting their land, noting that two active cases over the dispute are currently before the Court of Appeal and a Tribunal. Mukira called for accountability and urged authorities to halt further enforcement on Karunga Block 9 until the legal process concludes. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, highlighting concerns over police oversight and the enforcement of court orders in Kenya, and raising urgent questions about the protection of citizens’ property rights.