ODM-Scandinavia and Narc Kenya-Scandinavia have raised a total of Ksh 64,000 in support of
Mr. George Wachirira Kirira whose land was grabbed recently by Mr. Joe Maina Ruthithi under circumstances that both ODM-Scandinavia and Narc-Kenya Scandinavia believe are shady.
The cash, which was raised in Stockholm last Tuesday, was sent to Mr. Wachira on Friday 8th August via Western Union to help him cope with his difficult condition following the demolition of his house by State authorities acting in cahoots with Mr. Ruthithi, the man responsible for Wachira’s problems.
In a text message, Wachira’s son thanked Kenyans who helped raise the money and expressed the family’s appreciation of the political, economic and moral assistance from both ODM and Narc-Kenya Scandinavia.
Wachira’s land, which is valued at Ksh 4 million was taken over by Ruthithi as compensation for Wachira’s failure to pay a fine of Ksh 80,000 imposed by a Court in an assault case presided over ten years ago. At the time Wachira’s land was seized, the fine had accrued an interest which brought the total amount to Ksh 240,000.
According to ODM-Scandinavia and Narc-Kenya Scandinavia represented in the Wachira campaign by Mr. Martin Ngatia (Vice chairperson) and Mr. Daniel Mwaura (Narc-K Chairperson), the taking over of Mr. Wachira’s land was fraudulent because the value of the land is far much higher than the amount Wachira is alleged to be owing Mr. Ruthithi.
In a statement released last month, the Scandinavian based branches of ODM and Narc-Kenya said that Mr. Ruthithi is a known extortionist who simply exploited the court case to take over Wachira’s land and render the old man and his family homeless.
“We are seeking the intervention of both the Prime Minister Raila Odinga and President Mwai Kibaki to save Mr. Wachira’s land who has been rendered homeless”, Mr. Ngatia told KSB. The two parties are also seeking the intervention of Mr. James Orengo, the Minister of Lands and Settlement.
The parties have resolved to fund raise in aid of Mr. Wahira. The idea is to raise the Ksh 240,000 allegedly owed by Wachira so that he can get back his land and lead a normal life.
Okoth Osewe
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