Seven individuals have been arrested in connection with the kidnapping and attempted murder of a 35-year-old man, Juma Swaleh, in Diani, Kwale County. Among those apprehended is a handler for a local political figure involved in the land dispute.
The suspects allegedly abducted Swaleh from the Tradewinds area, forced him into the trunk of a car, and drove him to the contested land before abandoning him there. He was found with multiple stab wounds and severe injuries to his forehead, face, and nose.
Authorities responded to the scene, and Swaleh was rushed to Msambweni County Referral Hospital for treatment. Following an investigation, the seven suspects were arrested in connection with the July 17 incident.
Kwale County police chief Stephen Ngetich confirmed on Friday that the suspects face charges of kidnapping and attempted murder, with the case currently pending in court. “The matter is under active investigation, and further actions will be taken as more details emerge about the motive,” Ngetich stated.
The arrest comes amid ongoing legal disputes over the land, which is the subject of a court order issued by Justice Addraya Edda Dena. The court has prohibited the Kwale County Government and other parties from interfering with the property, which is under dispute between a foreign investor and local entities. The court’s order, dated July 3, mandates that the status quo on the property, known as Kwale/Diani Beach Block/1270-1287, be maintained for 21 days, with no sales or dispositions allowed.
Justice Dena also warned of potential contempt of court charges for any violations of the order. Despite this, recent reports indicate that the property has been illegally fenced off, leading to further tensions and the violent incident involving Swaleh.
Earlier this year, Kwale County Governor Fatuma Achani and former Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua visited the land amid the ongoing controversy. The governor announced plans to develop a tourist market along the beach road and claimed the county had “successfully repossessed” two acres of land from private developers, even as the legal disputes continue.
