Mombasa County Lands Executive Hussein “Amadoh”
Mohamed [R] during the moment / BRIAN OTIENO
After hue and cry over Kwa Makaa area of Tudor, whose seven-acre land is said to have been grabbed by a tycoon, the Mombasa county government has stepped in to resolve the matter.
County lands executive Mohamed "Amadoh" Hussein on Wednesday held a meeting with representatives of the area to find an amicable solution.
The residents last Friday protested the erection of a perimeter wall around their houses enclosing them.
The over 200 residents said their freedom of movement has been curtailed as the perimeter wall has only one gate, which is locked at 7pm and opened at 9am.
“Our children go to school very early in the morning, around 6am. But since at that time the gate is still closed, they have to risk their lives passing through a small opening in the wall where sewage water passes,” Mwaka Mkalla said.
Tudor MCA Samir Baloo and Kwa Makaa residents at the
Mombasa county lands executiveHussein “Amadoh” Mohamed’s office on Wednesday /
BRIAN OTIENO
On Wednesday, Amadoh said his department is taking immediate steps to protect both the rights of the residents and the owner of the land.
“Our people’s rights and those of the properties should be protected. We are working on bringing lasting solutions to land problems in Mombasa,” Amadoh said.
Tudor MCA Samir Baloo said they are in the process of verifying documents to establish the true ownership of the land.
“The squatters are ready to come out of the place, but in a dignified manner and after compensation,” Baloo said.
He said the squatters have been living on the land for three generations and it is only fair that they be given the dignity they deserve.
“We are looking at ways to move out. The most important thing is to oversee a smooth transition. Whoever is right and whoever is wrong is neither here nor there at this moment,” Baloo said.
He called on the owner of the land and the representatives of the squatters to set their differences aside and come to an agreement.
The disputed land at Kwa Makaa area in Tudor /
BRIAN OTIENO
“At the moment, one party has agreed to move out while the
other party is adamant that they will not pay. The push and pull will still be
there if we still maintain our hard stances,” Baloo said.
“I’m trying to sit down with the owner and talk to them for
an amicable solution,” the area MCA said.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
The seven-acre piece of land is in a prime location next to the road. Its close proximity to the beach and the Makupa police station make it an investor’s dream. Land disputes of such nature are common in Mombasa. Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho recently said no one will be evicted from their lands under his watch.
