EACC intervenes to protect Coast's historic Kongo Mosque amid land grabbing dispute
Residents had raised the alarm over suspicious activities around the mosque, triggering swift action from the EACC’s Lower Coast Regional Office.
For more than seven centuries, Kongo Mosque has stood quietly along Kenya’s Coast, a symbol of faith, community, and Swahili heritage.
But this week, the sacred site became the centre of a land dispute, prompting the intervention of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
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Residents had raised the alarm over suspicious activities around the mosque, triggering swift action from the EACC’s Lower Coast Regional Office.
On Friday, a team led by CEO Abdi Mohamud visited the mosque to reassure the community and confirm that no land grabbing would be allowed.
“We are here to witness and see the mosque that has been grabbed,” the CEO said.
“In April, we received information that individuals had encroached on the land where this mosque, standing here long before Fort Jesus, has been for centuries,” he added.
Following the tip-off, the EACC opened investigations and moved to court in May, securing orders to block any interference with the property.
The commission also directed the Ministry of Lands to stop all transactions related to the site.
“We assure the public that the property will remain intact,” said Abdi.
Kongo Mosque, gazetted as a national monument in 1927 and again in 1983, is known for its coral stone walls and iconic Swahili design.
It is one of the oldest mosques in the country and continues to serve as a place of worship for the local Muslim community.
The incident comes at a time when concerns are growing over the rise in land grabbing cases, especially those targeting public spaces and cultural landmarks.
The mosque’s historical status and the community’s quick response played a key role in prompting government action.
EACC has pledged to stay alert and maintain strong oversight of such sites, stressing that Kenya’s heritage must be preserved at all costs.
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