The Kwale County Government will join an ongoing court case as an interested party to support residents of Mbuguni Settlement Scheme in Tsimba Golini Ward, Matuga Sub-County, who are challenging the alleged unlawful issuance of title deeds.
Governor Fatuma Achani announced the move during a public meeting with residents, saying her administration was committed to protecting community land from illegal acquisition and ensuring justice for affected families.
The Mbuguni Settlement Scheme comprises approximately 756 plots spread across the villages of Bang’a, Mteza, Mrera, Mbuguni and Lunguma. Residents have raised concerns that title deeds for the land were issued to influential individuals and non-residents, exposing long-time occupants to possible displacement.
“My government will join the Mbuguni Scheme case currently before the court as an interested party to ensure that residents receive justice,” said Achani.
She reiterated that her administration would not tolerate land grabbing and pledged to work closely with the community’s legal team to reclaim the disputed land.
The Governor noted that the county government, in collaboration with institutions such as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), had successfully repossessed public land in different parts of the county, including 31 acres on Chale Island in Msambweni Sub-County, land on Kisite Mpunguti Island in Lunga Lunga Sub-County, and a 13-acre parcel in Diani valued at approximately Sh200 million.
“These victories demonstrate our commitment to safeguarding public resources and protecting the rights of our people. We shall pursue every legal avenue available to ensure Mbuguni residents are not deprived of their land,” she said.
Matuga Member of Parliament Kassim Tandaza backed the Governor’s position, assuring residents that leaders would remain united in defending their rights.
“I will not allow residents to be evicted from their land simply because they do not have title deeds. We will stand with them until this matter is resolved,” said Tandaza.
Tsimba Golini MCA Mwachuo Mwaboza called on residents to remain calm and allow the judicial process to take its course.
“I urge residents not to take the law into their own hands but to maintain peace as the matter is being handled in court,” he said.
Residents welcomed the county government’s intervention, expressing optimism that it would help bring an end to the long-standing dispute.
Peter Mbovu, one of the residents, said the community had lived on and depended on the land for generations and hoped the legal process would restore their ownership rights.
“We appreciate the support from the county government. Our only wish is to see justice prevail and our land returned to its rightful owners,” he said.
Another resident, Swaleh Simba, said the community had endured years of uncertainty and thanked local leaders for taking up their cause.
“We have suffered for a long time. Today’s commitment by our leaders gives us hope that our children and future generations will continue living on this land,” he said.
By Chari Suche
