By Nuru Salim
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has launched investigations into the alleged grabbing of the historic Kongo Mosque land in Diani, Kwale County, amid growing public outcry and concerns over the loss of cultural heritage.
The 16-acre piece of land-registered under the Kwale Islamic Centre in 2012—is at the center of a heated dispute between a private family claiming ownership and the mosque’s management committee.
The land, located where the Mwachema River tributary, popularly known as the Kongo River, meets the Indian Ocean, is home to a mosque believed to date back to the 14th century and associated with early Persian settlers on the East African coast.
Speaking during a visit to the site on May 17th, EACC Chief Executive Officer Abdi Mohamud confirmed that the commission has filed a case at the High Court seeking to block the sale, subdivision, or any other form of interference with the land until investigations are complete.
“We have secured interim orders from the High Court to stop any transactions or activities on this land,” Mohamud stated.
“We have also written to the Ministry of Lands and placed an administrative caution. The land remains frozen as we investigate the individuals behind this illegal acquisition attempt.” He added.
Mohamud emphasized that any government officials found culpable in issuing questionable title deeds would be held personally accountable.
“We will not allow historical and cultural sites of such national importance to be stolen in broad daylight,” he said.
The mosque and its surrounding land were first gazetted as a national monument in 1927 during the colonial era and later re-gazetted under Gazette Notice No. 440 in 1983 under the Antiquities and Monuments Act. As such, the land is protected by law and not subject to private allocation.
Local leaders have expressed firm support for the commission’s intervention. Kwale County Attorney Salim Suleiman said the county government had formally written to EACC, the National Land Commission (NLC), and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), calling for swift action to secure the land.
“This site is more than a place of worship. It represents the cultural and religious heritage of the people of Kwale,” Suleiman said.
He urged all residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with the county government to ensure the land is preserved for the society.
David Too, EACC’s Director of Legal Services, has been appointed to lead the legal proceedings surrounding the case as the investigation remains ongoing.
The ongoing probe follows previous pledges by Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga and Kwale County governor Fatuma Achani to defend the Kongo Mosque land during their visit to the area previously.
