Kwale leaders have called for concerted efforts by the national and county governments to strengthen measures to address human-wildlife conflict and protect communities living alongside wildlife in Lungalunga.
The leaders said coordinated interventions were necessary to safeguard human lives, protect livelihoods and promote peaceful coexistence between communities and wildlife.
Speaking during the 2026 Mashujaa Day celebrations at Dziriphe Sports Field in Lungalunga, Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo called for community engagement to address local challenges, including historical land ownership grievances.
Kombo said the county’s Department of Lands would work with affected communities to identify outstanding issues and pursue lasting solutions.
“If there are any land issues, we shall, through our Department of Lands, get back to the community in a bid to settle them,” he said.
Kwale County Commissioner David Rotich assured residents that the national government would collaborate with local leaders to resolve land adjudication challenges, while calling for stronger security measures to address rising cases of killings in the area.
Rotich revealed that more than 17 people had been killed, mostly in Mwereni, warning that those responsible would face the law.
“There are more than 17 people who have been killed, mostly in Mwereni. We have given the people an opportunity to dialogue, but if you are involved in killing, we will let the law take its course,” he said.
Lungalunga Member of Parliament Mangale Chiforomodo urged residents to raise their concerns through local leadership, saying community engagement was essential in finding peaceful and sustainable solutions to challenges affecting the area.
“We need to air our land grievances. We are going to the grassroots to listen to our people so that we can solve these issues peacefully,” he said.
The leaders called for closer collaboration between communities and government agencies in addressing local challenges, with residents expected to benefit from improved engagement and coordinated interventions.
Other leaders present included Government Deputy Spokesperson Mwanaisha Chidzuga, County Executive Committee Members, as well as directors and other senior government officials.
By Chari Suche
