A cry for justice by “invisible squatters” – Colonial legacy, local democracy, and the quest forhuman rights in land dispossession by Kakuzi PLC in Makuyu, Murang’a County, Kenya
This thesis examines the enduring impact of colonial legacies on local democracy and human rights concerning land dispossession in Makuyu, Murang’a County, Kenya, focusing on the experiences of ’invisible squatters’ affected by Kakuzi PLC. Through the lens of decolonization and post-colonial thinking practices theories, the research reveals that historical injustices rooted in colonial land policies continue to influence socio-economic conditions and the rights of marginalized communities. The findings indicate that local governance plays a crucial role in addressing land rights and facilitating dialogue between affected communities and corporate entities. The study highlights the importance of recognizing the agency of ’invisible squatters’ and emphasizes the need for policy reforms that acknowledge their land claims. Ultimately, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of how decolonization efforts can be effectively applied to contemporary land issues in Kenya, offering insights into the complexities of human rights in a post-colonial context