Residents of Chirima in Tiwi, Kwale County, are protesting the alleged illegal acquisition of 1.5 acres of community land by a private developer.
The disputed land, located along a beach access road, is part of the 960-acre Diani complex. Titles for the entire Diani complex had previously been annulled, prompting a new adjudication process to resolve ownership disputes. However, some individuals have claimed ownership of the contested land.
Local residents contend that the Diani complex project, extending from Diani to Tiwi, was intended to expropriate their community land. Hamisi Mwajao, a resident, stated that following community petitions to relevant authorities, previous governments nullified the project and 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 funding issues,” Mwajao noted. He expressed concern that, while the process remains incomplete, unknown individuals have started presenting fake title deeds to assert ownership of the ancestral land.
“All Diani complex title deeds were declared null and void because of the injustices faced by the local community and are not recognized by law. Despite the ongoing adjudication, some individuals still attempt to claim ownership with illegal documents,” he explained.
Mwajao urged residents to adhere to legal processes and follow the directives of the courts and the National Land Commission. “If you believe you own the land, let’s resolve it in court. Don’t come here using force,” he warned.
Another resident, Juma Amri, criticized security officers for allegedly being manipulated by land grabbers. He claimed that police were often deployed to protect these individuals as they attempted to develop the seized ancestral land.
“The community has been silent for too long, but now is the time to stand up against these injustices,” Amri asserted. He emphasized that while the community is generally peaceful and law-abiding, they feel provoked by private developers who violate the law without facing consequences.
“For peace to prevail, land grabbers must stay away from our ancestral land. Not a single inch will be taken under our watch from now on,” he stated.
Mohammed Mwinyi Mwanyumba expressed sorrow over the fact that their ancestral land has been turned into gifts for outsiders, lamenting that indigenous people are left living like squatters on land that once belonged to their ancestors. “It’s frustrating to see outsiders claim ownership of large parcels of land and evict locals,” Mwanyumba said, accusing local leaders of inaction regarding the ongoing land injustices.
Mize Ropia called on President William Ruto to fulfill his promise to address land issues in the Coast region, expressing frustration over how some wealthy individuals continue to deprive residents of their land. “Many lands have been stolen, leaving local residents homeless and without recourse,” Ropia added.
Youth leader Juma Matata stated that the younger generation is now well-informed about their rights and will take action to protect them. “Land grabbers must understand that this generation is different. In the past, residents were often taken advantage of due to illiteracy, but that won’t happen now,” Matata concluded.
