Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi has formed a high level county team to deal with land problems that have been witnessed in the region. – By Ramadhan Kambi.
The team which is expected to avail its report to the Governor within a month period consists of County Lands Executive Maureen Mwangovya and County Attorney Bibi Fondo.
Among other team members are counsel officials from the county and senior lands officers who will hold clinics with the locals, investigate a number of parcels of land that are owned by absentee landlords and also peruse come court orders suspected of fuelling evictions that have seen an increasing hatred among squatters and land owners who have been evicting locals.
The governor who spoke during a baraza to address land problems in Marikebuni village in Magarini ward said his vision is to see that all land issues are addressed amicably and through the law.
“I understand that Kilifi and the Coast in generally have a lot of land problems. Although we addressed this through the formation of the National Land Commission (NLC) in the 2010 constitution, this problem still exists. However, we are committed to address this to an end,” he said.
The governor said beginning next week, his team will start the process of getting to the bottom of the land problems in an exercise that will take a fully month.
“Once I get the report, I will know how to exactly deal with this issue. But that will only be done through the legal means,” said Governor Kingi.
The governor said Kilifi County had witnessed a lot of bloodsheds centered on land ownership between squatters but that is coming to an end.
“I have not and I will not advocate for any bloody engagement over land matters. You don’t have to kill, burn or destroy to express your anger over land. That is why I will use all the available means to address this matter amicably through the laid down procedures,” the Governor said.
Magarini MCA Elina Mbaru said the locals have endured pains and suffering at the hands of wealthy people claiming land.
“Its has been a life out of hell for this community. We have suffered for long and Governor you are the only hope for us. Kindly intervene and bring to an end this problem,” she said.
Ms Mwangovya and Ms Fondo promised to have the engagement with the community starting next week before the report is given to the Governor.
