By Alloys Musyoka
Kwale County Governor, Fatuma Achani, has assured the Muslim community that the land belonging to the historic Kongo Mosque, located in Diani in Msambweni Sub County will not be grabbed by tycoons.
The Governor stated that her administration has put in place firm measures including the putting up of caveats to prevent the sale or illegal acquisition of the 18-acre piece of land by the alleged grabbers.
The County already has the plans to turn the land belonging to the historical Kongo Mosque into a halal Beach that is geared towards Muslims families who abide by the Islam law.
The Halal beach at the historical Kongo mosque will not allow the sale of alcohol and foods that are not allowed by shariah and also the halal beach will promote of Halal-friendly amenities, including Halal-certified food, prayer facilities, and culturally appropriate services
Speaking at a Quran competition at Chitsanga Village, Tiwi ward in Matuga Sub county, Kwale County Government Fatuma Achani called on the residents to be vigilant and support her administration efforts to reclaim all grabbed public land in Kwale County.
“We have taken strict measures to ensure this sacred land remains in the hands of the community,” Achani said
Her statement comes hot on the heels of reports circulating on social media and in the various news outlets about two individuals who expressed interest in selling the mosque land.
Muslim leaders have expressed their uttermost shock over plans by some people to sell the mosque land saying that they will defend it by all means.
The County Government of Kwale, in collaboration with the National Land Commission (NLC) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), has already managed to reclaim several illegally acquired lands, including those in Kisite Mpunguti, Chale, Lungalunga ranch, and two beach lands in Diani.
Achani emphasized that she will not allow land grabbing to take place in Kwale County and promised to continue reclaiming all illegally acquired lands to their rightful owners.
“Land issues should not be politicized for personal gains and instead should be taken seriously, that is why as a County we have worked closely with the relevant agencies like the NLC and the EACC in the fight against illegal land acquisition.” Said Achani.
Achani revealed that the County Government has also constructed a Cabro road leading to the historical land of Kongo Mosque with erection of street lights ongoing.
This according to the governor is a clear indication of her administration’s commitment recognizing the historical mosque that also serves as a tourism attractive center in the area.
