A violent confrontation between police and a group suspected of involvement in land grabbing unfolded in Mombasa, leading to the arrest of 29 individuals. The incident, which took place on a tense morning, saw police confront a group armed with crude weapons, including pangas (machetes) and slashers, in a scene that quickly escalated into chaos.
The group, reportedly linked to land grabbing activities, was met by police after reports emerged of their suspicious activities. Upon police arrival, the suspects turned aggressive, with some trying to flee the scene on motorcycles. During the confrontation, one suspect brandishing a machete reportedly advanced towards the officers, forcing them to open fire. The suspect was shot in the leg and subsequently rushed to the Coast General Hospital, where he was admitted in stable condition.
A police statement confirmed the recovery of ten pangas, six slashers, and nine motorcycles used by the suspects in their operation. While most of the group was apprehended, authorities are still investigating and looking for additional suspects connected to the event.
Land grabbing has been a persistent issue in Mombasa and other parts of the country, with many genuine landowners losing their properties to illegal claimants. This practice is often fueled by corruption, as some officials in the Lands Ministry are believed to collude with grabbers to facilitate the illegal transfer of land. The drawn-out legal processes to resolve such disputes add to the problem, often leaving many landowners vulnerable to further exploitation.
The police have been working tirelessly to address this challenge, with some regions receiving specialized attention from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). However, the volume of complaints regarding land fraud continues to overwhelm the relevant agencies, stretching their resources and delaying swift action.
As investigations continue, authorities remain committed to curbing land grabbing, which is becoming an increasingly concerning issue for many communities.
