Squatters invade private land in Mombasa

More than 100 squatters living in Mombasa County have invaded a private land at Lamkani in Bamburi area.

They were claiming that the National Land Commission (NLC) led by Mr. Mohamed swazuri has failed to meet the expectations of the residents to address historical injustices on land issues in the coast region.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, the residents alleged that despite having reported the matter to the commission after forceful eviction in a 135-acres parcel of land, no action has been taken by its chairman to address the conflict.

The squatters led by Mrs Masika Mbega claimed that even after their structures were demolished and property destroyed, security officials in the county were now colluding with a local businessman to ensure they are kicked out when the matter was still under Mr. Swazuri.

The squatters are now appealing to President Uhuru Kenyatta and his government to take land matters seriously in the Coast, adding that the National Land Commission was being overwhelmed contrary to public expectation.

In May this year, Lamu Governor Issa Timamy was accused of frustrating resettlement of squatters on their ancestral land in Lamu.

According to a proposed plan, the Ministry of Land established a scheme in order to settle 372 families, with each getting 6 hactares.