Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani vows legal action against land grabbers

Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani. (Photo: File)

By Farhiya Hussein
Thursday, August 7, 2025

Tensions have escalated in areas such as Waa/Ng’ombeni, where residents allege that private developers and politically connected individuals have taken over public and community land.

Governor Fatuma Achani has issued a stern warning to land grabbers in Kwale County, vowing to reclaim stolen public and community land.

Speaking amid escalating tensions in Waa/Ng’ombeni amid renewed calls for government intervention over longstanding land injustices, Governor Fatuma said her administration would not be intimidated by powerful individuals involved in illegal land acquisitions in the county.

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“We have the documents; we have the facts, and we are going to court. Anyone who grabbed land illegally must return it or face the full force of the law,” said Governor Fatuma. “Let no one think they can scare us into silence. This government will defend its people and its resources.”

Kwale is one of the most affected counties along the coast, with large portions of land held by absentee landlords or entities that acquired titles under questionable circumstances.

According to the residents, the problem has persisted for years, rendering many families squatters without legal proof of ownership despite generations of occupation..

Responding to the crisis, County Attorney Salim Gombeni said legal land ownership in some wards remains critically low.

“In Waa/Ng’ombeni, less than 35 per cent of residents have valid title deeds. That alone tells you how deep this problem runs,” Salim said.

He noted that of the 23 historical land injustice complaints submitted to the National Land Commission (NLC) last year from Kwale, more than half originated from Waa ward.

Governor Fatuma confirmed that the county has already reclaimed several key parcels of land, including beach plots in Diani and Chale Island, following successful legal battles.

She said the recovered land has been handed back to the community and the county government for public use and future development.

“These are just the first steps. There is more land that must be recovered, and we are working closely with national agencies and investigative units to ensure justice is served,” she said.

Residents have welcomed the county’s renewed commitment, but many remain cautiously optimistic, citing previous unfulfilled promises and political interference that have often stalled progress.

“We have heard this before. We want action, not speeches,” said Saumu Juma.

Another resident, Hamisi Bakari, said his family has been fighting for title deeds for over two decades. “Our land was taken by someone with connections. We have lived here all our lives. If the governor is serious, we expect results,” he said.

Governor Fatuma urged residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands, promising that her administration is committed to following due legal processes to reclaim grabbed land.