Residents of Kambi Nyasi Plead for Mercy Amid Church Eviction Plans

   By Wasike Elvis A storm of distress has engulfed the small community of Kambi Nyasi as 24 families face imminent eviction from the land they have called home for over two decades. The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), which owns the 13-acre parcel of land, plans to use it for a school project intended to benefit less fortunate children. However, this decision has left the current residents—comprising orphans, elderly individuals, and struggling families—grappling with an uncertain future.
Joseph Lolepio, a community member, voiced the collective anguish. “This land has housed three generations. Instead of settling us or building rental homes for our survival, they’re asking us to leave. If the church, which we view as a refuge, can evict people, where are we supposed to go? This is inhumane.”
A Call for Intervention
The plight of the residents has drawn attention to the role of the church in fostering compassion. Community members have called upon Anglican Bishop Jackson Ole Sapit to intervene and allocate three acres of the land to resettle the affected families before any construction begins.
“We are not against the school project,” said Sylvia Wamboi, who was born and raised in Kambi Nyasi. “We are simply asking for a humane solution. The church should help us find an alternative instead of forcing us into destitution.”
Halima Gonaya, a resident since 1974 and a single mother, expressed her desperation. “I have lived here my whole life. My children and I have nowhere else to go. The church should be a place of help, not displacement.”
Appeals to Leaders
As eviction looms, residents have turned to national leaders, including President William Ruto, for support. Michael Karanja, another resident, urged the government to step in. “Mr. President, we need your intervention. We are poor, and this is our home. Please hear our prayers and stop this injustice.”
Richard Agula echoed these sentiments, appealing to the church leadership. “Our only hope lies in the church. Please show us compassion and help us find a place to stay.”
A Conflict of Values
The situation highlights a moral dilemma. While the church’s mission to provide education for the less fortunate is commendable, the eviction of vulnerable residents has raised questions about its role in society. Critics argue that the church should embody the teachings of Christ by offering shelter and support to the needy.
As the debate intensifies, the residents of Kambi Nyasi remain steadfast in their plea for mercy and justice. With time running out, they hope their cries will reach sympathetic ears and lead to a resolution that upholds their dignity and rights.  Read More