By Rarieya Asin
Shela residents in Lamu County have protested against the alleged land grabbing of at least 300 acres of water catchment land that serves as the main source of fresh water for more than 50,000 Amu and Manda Island residents.
The protest was led by youths drawn from Shella Villages, with residents expressing concern over the illegal fencing and proposed development on the Shella water catchment and dune system.
The Shela sand dunes system is a critical freshwater catchment area for Lamu Island that has over the years faced extensive land grabbing and encroachment by well connected land barons threatening local water security and the ecosystem.
In 2018 the National Land Commission (NLC) sought to revoke illegal title deeds and reclaim sections of the area that had already been grabbed, after an extensive report by the Water Resource Authority revealed that land grabbing of the sand dune area posed a threat to thousands of residents who depend on this water source.
Speaking to the media today during the protest held in Shela, Jamil Mohammed, a youth leader representative stated that the water catchment area is protected under Kenya Gazette Notices and is the sole source of freshwater for over 50,000 people on Lamu Island and parts of Manda.
He further revealed that the sand dune system also provides vital ecological functions, including nesting grounds for endangered animal species such as turtles and birds
“Despite its protected status, politicians and external investors are attempting to seize and build on this fragile land,” Jamil said.
Sentiments echoed by Ali Mbarak, Lamu Tourism Association Vice Secretary who said that the water catchment area had already faced encroachment some year back with the National Land Commission stepping in to revoke fake title deeds on the land yet the practice of grabbing the water catchment area continues unabated.
Raisa Ochola, African Thrillist tour operator CEO who was also one of the protesters and a Shela Village resident noted that if land grabbing is allowed to continue on the water catchment area, Lamu will face an irreversible water crisis.
Lamu Land, Public Works and Environment CEC Tashrifa Mohammed who was also interviewed after the protest reiterated that her office will carry out investigations to ascertain how an individual could willfully fence a gazetted area as if it is their personal property.
On his part Lamu County Commissioner Wesley Koech said that he will carry out an investigation into the alleged land grabbing plot, and promised that those found liable of encroaching on the water catchment area will face prosecution.
“It is illegal to contemplate and expect to encroach on gazetted areas and those found liable will face prosecution,” he added.
