Religious leaders gathered to pray and speak in tongues at the site near Nyayo Stadium where the property of Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi was demolished. The event took place today, January 14, drawing a small crowd. Clergy from different groups stood on the cleared land. They held hands and called for peace amid the rubble.
The demolition happened late last night. Reports say Cabinet Secretary for Interior Kipchumba Murkomen oversaw the operation himself. Bulldozers moved in under cover of darkness.
Heavily armed police, including GSU officers, guarded the area. The property belonged to Governor Wamatangi. It included businesses set up near the stadium. No one has said yet why the government targeted it. Some locals think it ties to land disputes or building rules.
Nyayo Stadium sits in Nairobi. It hosts big football matches and events. The area around it has seen growth over years. Stalls and shops pop up often. Government crackdowns on illegal structures happen now and then. This one stood out because of the high-profile names involved.
Governor Wamatangi leads Kiambu County. He took office in 2022 after a close election. His county borders Nairobi, so land issues cross over. Wamatangi has spoken about development before. He pushes for better roads and markets. This incident might strain ties with national leaders.
Murkomen is known for tough stands on security. He has led similar actions in other spots. Last night, he stayed on site as machines worked. Photos online show lights and dust in the air. No injuries were reported, but tension ran high.
This morning, word spread fast. Religious leaders showed up by midday. They came from nearby churches and groups. One pastor led the group in song first. Then prayers started. Some spoke in tongues, a practice in Pentecostal circles. It means praying in unknown languages, considered spiritual. The group asked for calm and justice. They blessed the land and the people affected.
A few onlookers joined in. Others watched from the road. Traffic slowed near the stadium. Police stayed around but kept a distance. No arrests happened during the prayers. The session lasted about an hour. Leaders left quietly after.
Social media lit up with clips. One video shows the clergy in a circle. Voices rise and fall. Comments range from support to questions. Why here? What next? Some see it as a sign of deeper problems.
Kiambu has its share of politics. Recent church events turned rowdy. Supporters of Wamatangi and MP Alice Ng’ang’a clashed at a service. President Ruto was there. Chants broke out over the 2027 race. Wamatangi wants to stay in office. Others eye his seat. This demolition might link to that rivalry.
His office stayed silent today. Murkomen has not commented either. The interior ministry handles such matters. They might release a statement soon.
Events like this highlight land fights in Kenya. Urban areas grow fast. Rules get bent sometimes. The government steps in to clear space. But it affects livelihoods. Wamatangi’s businesses employed people. Now they look for work.
Religious groups often step in during tension. They call for talk over force. Today’s prayers aimed at that. One leader told a reporter they want dialogue. Between county and national levels. To avoid more conflict.
Nyayo Stadium has history. Built in the 1980s. Named after former President Moi. It held big rallies and games. Now it needs repairs. Plans for upgrades sit on hold. The area draws vendors. But safety concerns rise.
Locals shared mixed views. Some back the cleanup. Others say it hurts small owners. Wamatangi comes from business roots. He understands that side.
The site looks empty now. Rubble piles wait for trucks. Fences might go up soon. What comes next? Maybe new projects. Or more disputes. Prayers ended peacefully. Leaders promised to watch the situation. They might meet officials later. For now, the spot stays quiet.
This story unfolds in a busy part of Nairobi. Close to homes and offices. People pass by daily. They saw the change overnight. Government actions like this draw eyes. Especially with big names. Wamatangi and Murkomen both hold power. Their paths cross often.
Kenya sees these demolitions in other cities too. Mombasa and Kisumu had similar ones. Always sparks debate. Today’s gathering showed faith in action. Clergy used words and spirit to respond. It caught attention online and off.
No timeline for rebuilds. Or if Wamatangi fights back. Courts could get involved. Land cases fill dockets already. For now, the site holds memories. Of businesses gone. And prayers were said.
