Land disputes in Kenya’s coastal region persist despite government setting up a National Commission to resolve the problems that have lasted since independence in 1963.

Currently, residents of Vikobani in Jomvu Sub-County accuse a wealthy businessman of hiring goons to intimidate and lock them out of their houses over a disputed two-acre parcel of land, allegedly in defiance of a court order issued by the Mombasa Environment and Land Court.

The protracted legal battle involves 20 homeowners and the tycoon, who are all claiming possession of the land. The homeowners allege that the tycoon has hastily erected beacons and deployed hired goons to harass them and block access to their homes.

“I bought all my property and left it there. I’ve worked for the county government for 25 years. With the resources I earned, I bought a house there, but now I’m persona non grata. There are goons there; tenants can’t even rent,” lamented one Stephen Mangale.

“My house doesn’t have a single tenant; it’s only the caretaker. Is it right? We want the matter to be resolved; we are tired,” he added, urging local leaders to intervene to resolve the stalemate.

Mangale further revealed that they had visited all police stations in the sub-county for assistance, but no action had been taken. He emphasised that while the court case should proceed, residents should be allowed to live peacefully while awaiting its outcome.

On her part, Irene Mweke, a widow, said she was injured by the goons last year and her assailants have not been arrested; they are scot-free despite lodging a formal complaint to the police. She now lives in fear in her rental flat that has 15-room units.

“I live without tenants because the toilets were locked. I just live because it’s my house lest the iron roofs, doors are removed. They will be destroyed. I appeal to President Ruto to intervene,” Mweke said.

Bradley Ouna, a human rights activist, wants the Coast Regional Police Commander to order the removal of the goons in the contested parcel of land.

“The court order directed that the status quo remains, which means the house owners should stay in the houses until the case is determined,” he said, adding that tenants and exhauster trucks should be allowed to access the houses.

Dickson Kibagendi said their houses were fenced with iron sheets, and homeowners were being threatened despite a court order allowing them to stay. He thanked the County Security team for quelling the escalating tension in the area.

“We are peaceable, we don’t want one person to purport to be the government. We also pay taxes. The court and the government should do their work, but why is he hiring people to guard the plot yet there is are security officers paid by the government?” he posed.

–   Tell Media KNA report / By Sadik Hassan