Governor Timamy calls for stop to land grabbing
Lamu Governor Issa Timamy responds to questions from members of the Senate's County Public Accounts and Investments Committee on July 14, 2016. He has said he will address land grabbing. FILE PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Mr Timamy said many residents have become squatters on their own lands due to the actions of land thieves.
The Lamu County government has said it will put an end to massive land grabbing schemes precipitated by tycoons who use fake title deeds to evict people.
Addressing the public at Zebra Village in Mpeketoni Division on Thursday, Governor Issa Timamy said he will fight the grabbers to protect the interests of the poor.
"I am aware that certain individuals are moving secretly while posing as county surveyors.
"Those individuals are accompanied by either chiefs or certain tycoons. We have not sent any surveyors to sub-divide land in Lamu. That habit should stop," he said.
Mr Timamy said many residents have become squatters on their own lands due to the actions of land thieves.
And if action is not taken, he said, the number will rise.
"As county government, we will continue fighting for the rights of the landless until they get justice. Every citizen in Lamu has a right to own land provided you follow the right procedures," he said.
He also called on investors intending roll out projects to first consult the county administration for due process to be followed.
In January last year, the Ministry of Lands announced the cancellation of 353,770 acres of land, which were returned to the county for public use.
Since then, owners of the revoked lands are now said to be eyeing other parts of the county, particularly areas bordering mega national projects such as the Lamu Port South Sudan Ethiopia Transport (Lapsset) in Kililana and Mashunduani.
