A business property in Nairobi, which is linked to Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, was demolished barely 24 hours after a court barred Kenya Railways from evicting its occupants or demolishing it, raising concerns over alleged defiance of judicial authority.
The demolition of the property, which is located near Nyayo National Stadium, proceeded despite court orders preserving the property pending resolution of the dispute. This escalation intensifies a legal battle over land rights, tenancy protections, and adherence to the rule of law.
The dispute involves Superclean Shine Enterprises Limited against Kenya Railways Corporation and the Attorney-General.
The company operates on Plot No. 209/1618 along Douglas Wakiihuri Road, a prime location near Nairobi’s sports and transport hub.
Court documents reveal that the firm sought legal intervention in December 2025 after railway officials allegedly issued verbal eviction threats without written notice.
The company claims these threats culminated in demolition plans scheduled for December 22, prompting urgent court action. It says that more than 600 police officers had been deployed at the scene.
On January 13, 2026, a magistrate’s court in Milimani issued orders restraining Kenya Railways, its agents, or any affiliated parties from evicting, dispossessing, or interfering with the property. The court also prohibited the intended demolition until the dispute was heard.
Despite the injunction, bulldozers demolished the structures the following day, sparking accusations of contempt of court.
Superclean Shine asserts it has occupied the land for over 20 years under a valid lease issued by Kenya Railways. The firm provided bank deposit slips from September, November, and December 2025 as evidence of consistent rent payments, supporting its claim of lawful tenancy.
‘The respondents’ actions are deliberately designed to bypass due process and undermine this case, despite clear court orders requiring them to file responses within ten days-a deadline that has since lapsed,’ said Faith Wambui, the company’s director.
The company argues that under the Land Act, eviction requires due process, including written notice and court-sanctioned procedures-none of which were allegedly followed before the demolition.
In affidavits, the firm’s management detailed losses including business disruption, property destruction, and harm to hundreds of employees’ livelihoods.
‘Kenya Railways’ actions flagrantly violate our constitutional rights to property and fair administrative action under Articles 40 and 47, as well as Land Act provisions,’ Ms Wambui stated.
While the property’s reported ties to Governor Wamatangi have drawn public attention, court filings focus solely on tenancy rights, with no allegations of wrongdoing against him.
Kenya Railways has not publicly explained why it proceeded with the demolition despite the court order. The Attorney General, named in the suit as the state’s legal representative, has yet to respond.
Superclean Shine is now seeking contempt charges against those responsible and further protective orders. The firm wants the court to uphold the lease’s validity and mandate lawful eviction procedures.
The demolition has transformed the case from a tenancy dispute into a potential constitutional clash.
This case mirrors other conflicts between Kenya Railways and long-term tenants in Nairobi and beyond, often tied to redevelopment plans and railway corridor reclamation.