By Shaban Omar
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has recovered a 1.14-acre beach access road reserve worth Sh45 million in Kwale County after the land was declared public property by the High Court.
Speaking in Diani on Thursday, EACC Chief Executive Officer Abdi Mohamud said the parcel had been unlawfully allocated to a private company through a 99-year lease issued in 1994.
“The land was illegally grabbed in 1994. However, on July 14, 2026, the High Court in Kwale ruled that it is public land and ordered that it be returned to the people,” Mohamud said.
He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to recovering all illegally acquired public land through the courts, saying the fight against corruption and land grabbing remains a top priority.
Mohamud noted that the commission had previously recovered the 32-acre Kinondo-Chale public land, valued at Sh1.2 billion, and returned it to the public.
He added that the EACC is also pursuing the recovery of the disputed Kongo Mosque land and the 32-hectare Chenze Ranch, whose cases are still pending before the courts.
Beyond Kwale, Mohamud revealed that the commission had also recovered a government house in Kizingo, Mombasa County, valued at Sh55 million.
He commended the Kwale County Government for its cooperation in the fight against corruption and the recovery of public assets.
Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani praised the EACC for what she described as a major milestone in protecting public land from illegal acquisition.
Achani said the EACC has always responded swiftly whenever the county government sought its assistance.
She said the recovery of the land would safeguard public access to the beach and benefit future generations.
Achani said the county government plans to undertake major development projects on the recovered land to benefit local residents and spur economic growth.
She reaffirmed the county’s commitment to working with the EACC to combat corruption and protect public assets from illegal acquisition.
Achani also issued a stern warning to individuals who have illegally occupied public land, saying the county government would not tolerate land grabbing.
“Anyone who has illegally grabbed beach land or any other public land should know that we are coming for you. Let this serve as a warning to others who think they can unlawfully acquire public property,” she said.
Msambweni MP Feisal Bader commended the EACC for its efforts in recovering public land and intensifying the fight against corruption.
He said leaders in the county have confidence in the commission’s stewardship and commitment to protecting public assets from illegal acquisition.
Bader noted that the recovery of the beach access road reserve would enable local residents to fully benefit from tourism activities by restoring public access to the coastline.
