Uneasy calm returned to the Marurui area of Roysambu Sub-County, located off the Northern Bypass near Kiambu Road, following the deployment of a contingent of anti-riot police officers to restore peace after demonstrations threatened to disrupt businesses in the area.
Innocent buyers, who fell victim to a company that purported to be the legitimate owner of the land under reference number 28401, are still in shock after the court ruled against an entity that has been identified as Meron Limited.
Members of the public scavenge for metal bars and other valuables from demolished structures in Marurui area along Northern bypass on May 5, 2025.
Photo credit: Billy Ogada | Nation
According to the court papers, Meron Limited subdivided the land and subsequently issued ownership documents to the buyers.
However, the Registrar of Titles revoked the title deeds in December 2023 through Gazette Notices No 16350 and 16351, which prompted Langton Investments to file a case at the Environment and Land Court seeking the court’s guidance in determining the matter.
Although Langton Investments was granted an injunction in November 2023 that prevented any further transactions on the land, the fate of hundreds of people who bought the land and built luxury homes, ranging from bungalows to modern oases, remains unknown.
Some of those affected are struggling to come to terms with the situation as the ownership of more than 300 acres of land changed, leaving them with no option but to move out.
Members of the public scavenge for metal bars and other valuables from demolished structures in Marurui area along Northern bypass on May 5, 2025.
Photo credit: Billy Ogada | Nation
According to a source, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of discrimination in the workplace if their details were revealed, one of the buyers’ relatives has been admitted to hospital in the city.
“Things are tough and my relative is currently in hospital. He was admitted and is being monitored by the doctors after learning that his house was brought down,” the source said through the phone.
One of the locals said that those affected are still in the process of moving to court to seek compensation, having already spent millions of shillings developing their homes.
“I cannot reveal their names but I heard that they will sue the company that sold them the land,” the man who identified himself as John said.
Thomas Abongo, a resident, said that the demolitions took place despite a court order that they had filed seeking to stop any activity until the case is heard and determined.
“We have those who have already built houses and others yet to do so. We have children and some have gone to school, and it is unfortunate that they will not come and find the homes that they left,” he said.
Members of the public leave with metal bars from demolished structures in Marurui area along Northern bypass on May 5, 2025.
Photo credit: Billy Ogada | Nation
For some, the demolition came as a surprise. They accused the authorities of failing to give them more time to relocate.
According to Nairobi Deputy Regional Commander Omar Arero, no arrests have been made to date and security is being provided in line with court orders.
“Eighty households were permanent and 20 were makeshift structures made of iron sheets. All have been demolished. It is up to those who bought the land to go after the company that sold them the land because they are now illegal occupants. But the most important thing is that we are not involved in the eviction and the demolition. It was the direction of the court that we provide security to Langton Investments Limited, who is the owner of the land number LR Number 58401,” Mr Omar said.
Members of the public scavenge for metal bars and other valuables from demolished structures in Marurui area along Northern Bypass on May 5, 2026.
Photo credit: Billy Ogada | Nation
While the demolition was ongoing, with several excavators at the site, some locals were scavenging the ruins for building materials, including building blocks.
