Energy Cabinet Secretary (CS) Opiyo Wandayi has sparked heated reactions after giving residents of Kaptembwa, Nakuru, one month to vacate land owned by the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC). The announcement came after Wandayi visited the oil depot in the area, where he highlighted plans to reclaim and secure the land for its intended use.
During his address, the CS emphasized that the land belongs to the government and should be used for strategic energy projects. However, his ultimatum has faced criticism, especially from Kenyans online, who questioned where the affected residents are supposed to go. Many argued that the government should provide alternative housing solutions before evicting people.
Some Kenyans believe that Wandayi’s decision may be influenced by external pressures, particularly following the recent cancellation of the Adani deal, which had been linked to energy projects in Kenya. They accused the CS of trying to appease powerful interests at the expense of ordinary citizens. “It seems he is under pressure to make quick moves to show progress, but this is not fair to the people,” one user commented on social media.
Others criticized the government’s approach to handling land disputes, calling for a more humane and inclusive process. “Why evict families without a relocation plan? These are Kenyans who deserve better treatment,” another online user lamented.
Supporters of the decision, however, argued that the government has a right to reclaim public land for development. They noted that energy infrastructure is crucial for economic growth and that the land in question plays a key role in the country’s oil supply chain.
The situation has drawn attention to the broader challenges of land ownership and urban planning in Kenya. As the one-month deadline approaches, all eyes are on the Ministry of Energy and other stakeholders to see how they will address the concerns of both the residents and the country’s development needs.
By Nairobi