Fresh controversy has erupted at the Baitul Hikma International Integrated Group of Schools in Parklands after armed police officers were spotted stationed at the institution’s controversial development site.
Kenyans have accused the school’s owners of misusing the police force to protect and intimidate those questioning the development, which is at the centre of an ongoing court dispute.
Photos obtained by this publication and which are widely on the social media show armed officers sitting within the vicinity of the disputed site, raising serious questions about why police officers were deployed to guard a private development.
The development has already attracted controversy following concerns raised by residents over its legality and compliance with planning and construction requirements.
Residents now claim that instead of respecting the concerns raised and allowing relevant authorities and the courts to handle the matter, the school owners are allegedly using the presence of armed officers to protect the development.
“The police should be protecting wananchi and enforcing the law, not being turned into private guards for individuals involved in controversial developments,” one concerned resident said.
The presence of the officers has further intensified concerns among Parklands residents, who have questioned whether public security resources are being used to serve private interests.
The residents have called on the National Police Service to explain the circumstances surrounding the deployment of the officers and establish whether they were officially assigned to the location.
They have also urged relevant authorities to ensure that any existing court directives concerning the disputed development are fully respected.
The latest development is expected to add pressure on the school management and government agencies that have been accused by residents of failing to address concerns surrounding the institution’s operations and development.
Parklands Police Station boss has recently indicated that he has lost control over the matter and ” Has nothing to do”
More to follow….