The long-standing historical land injustices in Kwale may soon be resolved as the National Land Commission (NLC) takes decisive action to address the issue.
In a move aimed at ending decades of land disputes that have left thousands of residents homeless, the NLC has pledged to listen to all aggrieved parties and work toward a fair resolution.
The Commission has set up camp at the Kwale Cultural Center in Matuga, where it has begun hearings and a fact-finding mission to facilitate a just settlement of the long-standing land conflicts.
At least 198 land dispute cases have been filed, with 30 meeting the National Land Commission’s admissibility criteria.
Among the notable cases under review are the highly contested Diani Complex Scheme, Block 10, and Block 17 land parcels collectively covering approximately 962 acres.
The disputed land extends from Tiwi to Diani, covering a vast area affected by historical land injustices.
Other disputed areas include Kichaka Mkwaju, Kaya Waa, Ramisi, and Nyari, among others.
According to Prof. James Tuitoek, the chairman of the NLC’s Historical Land Injustices Committee, a determination on the filed cases is expected before the end of the year.
“We will not issue a report until we have heard both parties because we do not want to create new injustices. However, by the end of this year, we will likely have made a determination,” he said.
Tuitoek said that while some cases would be resolved quickly, others might take longer due to the complexity and magnitude of the disputes.
He stressed the Commission’s commitment to thoroughly examining the facts and delivering a fair determination to ensure justice prevails.
“Anyone making a claim must provide sufficient information for us to make an informed decision and a fair recommendation,” he said.
Tuitoek said that all parties have been given 21 days to respond and gather evidence before the Commission proceeds with the scrutinization process.
He urged people to remain peaceful, assuring them of fair and just determination.
County Attorney Salim Gombeni commended the National Land Commission (NLC) for stepping in to help the people of Kwale seek justice for their land.
He noted that locals have long suffered, with little to celebrate, as private developers continue to grab ancestral land.
Gombeni reaffirmed the county’s commitment to supporting residents in securing justice for their land and addressing historical land injustices.
He said all those who acquired land fraudulently must be held accountable, fake title deeds revoked and restore the land to its rightful owners.
Gombeni expressed confidence that justice would be served based on constitutional guidelines and the strength of the evidence presented.
The move has been welcomed by overjoyed victims of land injustices, who have expressed confidence in the ongoing land dispute resolution process.
According to Hamisi Juma Mwajao, a victim of the Diani Complex Scheme, locals finally see light at the end of the tunnel.
He noted that their struggle for land rights dates back to 1972, with little success until now.
“This has been our dream. We now have hope of reclaiming our land after years of intimidation, torture, and assaults,” he said.
Mwajao emphasized the need for all fraudulent title deeds to be revoked and for a fresh land allocation process to ensure locals regain their rightful ownership.
He praised President William Ruto’s administration for honoring its promise to address historical land injustices in the coastal region.
Mwajao noted that this noble action demonstrates the government’s commitment to resolving squatter issues and restoring dignity to ordinary citizens.
Another local, Juma Amri, said he is optimistic that their long-standing land issues would soon be resolved.
He acknowledged the government’s significant strides in addressing their grievances and expressed confidence that justice would be delivered.
Rashid Mwadume recounted how land injustices have left many residents homeless and caused immense suffering.
He lamented that the disputes have also disrupted their way of life, with cultural worship sites being grabbed and illegally developed.
Mwadume urged the NLC to ensure justice is served so that affected residents can reclaim their land and restore their livelihoods.
