DEMOLITION OF A KSH 40 MILLION HOUSE SPARKS CHAOS, ARREST, AND VIRAL MOMENT FOR JARED OKOTH

Former Mathare North MCA Jared Okoth has spoken out after his multimillion-shilling mansion in Marurui, Nairobi, was demolished during a controversial land dispute that left more than 100 families homeless.

Okoth had gone viral earlier after a video captured him confronting police officers while sitting at the back of a police vehicle after being arrested for obstruction alongside another man, while other protesters were dispersed by police using tear gas. In the clip, he was seen emotionally reacting, mocking officers’ salaries and living conditions while claiming he was wealthier than them.

 The incident sparked mixed reactions online, with some Kenyans criticizing his remarks and others sympathizing with his loss.

According to reports, the demolitions were linked to a long-standing dispute over ownership of a 54-acre parcel of land in Marurui. Bulldozers flattened several homes, destroying properties worth millions and leaving families stranded.

Speaking in an interview after the incident at Obinna Tv, Okoth revealed that the demolished property had cost him more than KSh 40 million, saying he had heavily invested in both the land and the house.

Okoth admitted that emotions got the better of him during the confrontation with police, noting that his family was affected by tear gas during the operation.

“I was furious and had the confidence to ask what was happening,” he said.

He maintained that he would not apologise for his remarks directed at the officers.

“I cannot apologise because I said the truth,” he stated.

Okoth further revealed that despite the confrontation, police officers did not mistreat him after his arrest. He said he spent a night in custody before being released on a cash bail of KSh 5,000.

“My charges were incitement, which were then changed to hawking,” he explained.

He also opened up about his lifestyle, revealing ownership of several high-end vehicles including a Range Rover Defender, Toyota V8, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Land Rover Discovery models. He added that he even bought a Toyota TX shortly after the demolition to help him cope emotionally.

The incident continues to stir debate online, with some criticizing his conduct during the confrontation while others question the demolition process and sympathize with affected families.