By Shaban Omar
More than 100 residents of Mwabungo in Msambweni, Kwale County, on Thursday received free legal assistance as land injustice complaints took centre stage at a legal aid clinic organised by Smart Move Community and justice sector partners.
The clinic, held at Mwabungo Galu Primary School, drew elderly residents and vulnerable families battling long-running land disputes, including cases of alleged fraudulent title transfers, forged documents and illegal acquisition of ancestral land.
Smart Move Community founder and chairperson Jamal Kidyogo said the initiative brought together lawyers, the County Attorney’s office, Kadhis’ Courts and mental health practitioners to offer services ranging from land dispute support, inheritance guidance, alternative dispute resolution, IEBC registration and family counselling.
Kidyogo said Msambweni remains one of the most affected areas in the region due to its mineral deposits, prime beachfront land and fertile farming zones, factors that have made the area a target for fraudsters and powerful individuals seeking to dispossess locals.
He noted that the clinic was aimed at restoring dignity for families who have struggled to access justice due to high costs, limited legal knowledge and years of intimidation.
To address the complexity of these cases, Smart Move Community brought together a strong coalition of justice actors, including the County Attorney’s office, Kadhis’ Courts, and mental health practitioners.
“Land disputes don’t just steal property, they break families, trigger trauma, and destabilize entire communities,” he said.
One of the lawyers, Rashid Mbwiza, said most complaints filed at the clinic involved forged documents and fraudulent land transfers.
“Almost every file we opened had something to do with fake papers or land stolen through dubious means,” Mbwiza said.
He said that people are suffering, not because they don’t own land, but because they don’t know how to fight back.
Mbwiza said the legal team will support the residents beyond the one-day event by helping document their cases, verify records, gather evidence and represent them in court.
Among the beneficiaries was 83-year-old Mohammed Mwatsingwa, who said he had been asked to pay Sh45, 000 for legal services before the clinic.
“I feel relieved knowing there is finally someone to support me. Today I got that help for free, right here in my village,” he said.
Fifty-seven-year-old Mwanasha Ali, who is fighting an alleged fraudulent transfer of her late father’s land, said the clinic renewed her hope for justice after years of fear and uncertainty.
She said the free legal intervention offered them a long-awaited opportunity to challenge historical injustices that have left many living as squatters on ancestral land.
