Mombasa community demands government action to resolve land dispute

In Mombasa, a land dispute threatens the homes of thousands as absentee landlords, claiming ancestral ownership, seek to evict residents from a 10-mile coastal strip.

The landlords, descended from Omani Arab families who controlled the area before Kenya's independence, have recently intensified their claims, putting over 20,000 tenants in jeopardy.

Nominated Senator Miraj Abdillahi has called on the national government to urgently address these historical land injustices. "The situation has reached a critical point. We need a comprehensive land policy that acknowledges and rectifies past expropriations."

Senator Miraj highlighted that the ongoing conflict between the tenants and the descendants of the former coastal rulers known as Liwali has yet to be resolved.

The affected neighbourhoods, including Bondeni, Mwembe Kuku, and Mji wa Kale, are home to tenants who have constructed homes on land they lease from representatives of absentee landlords, predominantly residing in Oman and the Middle East.

Despite paying land rates to these agents, the tenants face harassment and threats of eviction. "These tenants have been paying land rates every month, yet they are still being harassed. Their grievances need to be heard,” said Miraj

Senator Miraj's appeal follows failed attempts by the National Land Commission (NLC) to mediate the dispute. She is calling for immediate government intervention to protect the tenants and settle the longstanding grievances.

Tononoka MCA Ali Sharif has echoed this call, stating, "The NLC needs to step up and resolve this deadlock to secure the future of these families."

Nagib Shamsan from Kenya Land Alliance argued that the land in question, which was historically taken from indigenous communities, should be returned without conditions. "It's unacceptable that foreigners with dubious land documents continue to oppress residents," Shamsan said.

Shamsan urged President William Ruto to take decisive action, suggesting that Kenya Kwanza, committed to resolving squatter issues, should begin with the coastal region's displaced residents.

Adding to the call for resolution, retired senior chief Halima Abdalla stressed the historical connection of the tenants to the land. "These families have lived on this land for decades. It would be unreasonable to evict them. They should be facilitated to own the land they have developed."