Residents of Chirima in Tiwi, Kwale County, are protesting against the alleged illegal grabbing of 1.5 acres of community land by a private developer. The contested land, situated along a beach access road, is part of the 960-acre Diani complex.
Previously, titles for the entire Diani complex were nullified, and a new adjudication process was initiated to resolve ownership disputes. However, some individuals have since claimed ownership of the land in question, prompting concern among local residents.
Hamisi Mwajao, a resident, explained that after the community petitioned the authorities, previous governments had nullified the project. He called for the confiscation of fraudulent titles and a review of the adjudication process. “The new adjudication process began in 2016 but was halted in 2022 due to lack of funding,” Mwajao said. He expressed worry that, despite the incomplete process, unknown individuals were presenting fake title deeds to claim the ancestral land.
“All Diani complex title deeds were declared null and void due to the injustices committed against the local community, and they are not recognized by law. Despite the ongoing adjudication process, some individuals dare to present illegal documents in an attempt to claim ownership,” Mwajao added. He urged residents to adhere to legal directives and take any claims of ownership to court, stating, “Don’t come here using force. If you claim it’s your land, let’s meet in court.”
Juma Amri, another resident, criticized security officers for allegedly protecting land grabbers. “A contingent of police officers is often deployed to protect land grabbers as they attempt to develop the seized ancestral land,” Amri said, emphasizing that the community had remained silent for too long and needed to stand up against these injustices.
Mohammed Mwinyi Mwanyumba expressed sadness over the displacement of indigenous people from their ancestral land, which has been claimed by outsiders. “It’s frustrating to see strangers from other parts of the country claim ownership of large parcels of land and evict locals,” Mwanyumba said, accusing local leaders of inaction on the land issues.
Mize Ropia urged President William Ruto to fulfill his promise to address land issues at the Coast, expressing frustration with the continued exploitation of residents by some tycoons. “Many lands have been stolen, leaving local residents homeless with nowhere to turn,” Ropia said.
Youth leader Juma Matata asserted that the younger generation, well-versed in the law, would protect their rights vigorously. “Land grabbers must realize that this generation is different. In the past, residents were often taken advantage of due to illiteracy, but that won’t happen now,” Matata stated.
