Commission threatens tough action against irregular land acquisitions

The land commission has raised the red flag over irregular activities at salt firms in Magarini in Kilifi County.

National Land Commission chairman Muhammad Swazuri said a survey shows that some salt companies had planted beacons in the Indian Ocean and mangrove forests, which are reserved areas.

“The matter has been investigated but there are pending issues over possession of land by natives and salt companies,” he said.

Speaking during a tribunal sitting in Malindi on Monday, Dr Swazuri said the commission will make tough decisions that might result in some title deeds being revoked or people evacuated.

“If there is encroachment into salt lands by residents, they will be moved and if titles were irregularly acquired, they will be revoked,” he warned.

The commission boss also expressed concern over salt lands that have been idle for more than 30 years.

Referring to Munyu Salt Company that acquired 13,602 acres in 1986, he said the government might repossess the land.

The owner of the company, Mr Edward Mburu, could not explain why the land was unproductive for so long.

REVERT OWNERSHIP

“If you cannot fulfil the purpose for which you acquired the land after 24 months, ownership will revert to the government,” said Dr Swazuri, adding, “the problem of squatters in the area needs to be solved once and for all”.

The tribunal also heard that some salt companies had blocked roads, water springs and boreholes.

Salt companies that have been skipping land meetings were also put on the spot.

“Serious consequences might befall Crystalline salt company if the owners do not turn up to respond to squatters’ allegations,” said Dr Swazuri.

He also told company owners to attend meetings themselves, instead of send their lawyers.

“This because they are the ones directly affected and they understand the subject,” he said.

SALT LAND ISSUES

“This is the fifth year we have had such a sitting in regard to salt land issues in Marereni, Gongoni, Tana Delta and Kurawa,” he said.

Lawyers John Khaminwa for Kemusalt Parkers and Suleiman Enterprises and George Kariuki for Kurawa Salt, said the companies followed acquired the land lawfully.

 Dr Khaminwa also asked the commission to set aside land for Kenyans who could not trace their roots.

This was prompted by a decision by the commission to reject a squatter, Mr Joel Ogada’s claim to land in the area, saying he did not have ancestral roots there.

Mr Ogada said his father was buried on the controversial land now owned by Kurawa Salt.

“He came into the area in the 1960s and the community gave him the land to cultivate,” said Mr Ogada.