A group of influential elders from Magarini constituency in Kilifi County has lauded President William Ruto for his ongoing efforts to address the persistent squatter problem in the Coast region. The elders, led by former Magarini Member of Parliament Joseph Kasena Yeri and former Sabaki Councillor Timothy Mwambogo, urged governors in the region to take decisive action and help bring a lasting solution to the issue.
The squatter problem in the Coast region has plagued communities for decades, with many families living on land without legal ownership. This longstanding issue has contributed to social tensions and economic instability in affected areas. In response to the concerns, President Ruto has initiated a series of measures aimed at resolving the matter, with a focus on land distribution and resettlement of the landless.
The elders, who are members of a committee tasked with tackling the squatter issue in Magarini, met recently at a Malindi hotel alongside all Coast Governors and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi. This meeting was a crucial step in coordinating the regional effort to address landlessness and squatter settlements. During the meeting, the governors established committees at the constituency level and gave them a seven-day deadline to submit reports on squatters and the land they occupy, whether public or private.
However, the Magarini elders have expressed concerns about the short timeline set for the committees to complete their work. They argue that seven days is insufficient to conduct the necessary consultations and assessments to thoroughly understand the complexities of the squatter problem. Mr. Yeri and Mr. Mwambogo called on the governors and officials to extend the timeframe and engage in comprehensive public participation, ensuring that affected communities are fully informed and involved in the process.
“We urge the governors to give the committees more time at least two to three weeks to sensitize the community about the government’s initiative and help them understand the process. This is crucial to the success of the resettlement efforts,” said Mr. Yeri. The elders also emphasized the need for transparency and inclusivity in the process to avoid the mistakes of past attempts to resolve the squatter issue.
One of the key concerns raised by the elders is the historical context of the squatter problem, which has been exacerbated by the issuance of title deeds for land already occupied by squatters. Mr. Mwambogo warned that previous efforts had failed due to a lack of consideration for the deep-rooted historical grievances of the people. “I urge the governors to be cautious, as the squatter question has a long history. Past regimes and commissions such as the TJRC and Ndungu commissions have failed to resolve the issue because they did not fully understand its complexities,” he said.
The elders also called for the government to make use of existing reports on land, including the Ndungu Report and the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) report, as part of the solution to landlessness in the region. These reports contain valuable insights and recommendations that could help in formulating effective policies for the resettlement of squatters.
In addition to addressing the squatter issue, the elders highlighted the disproportionate impact the problem has on women. Sylvia Jumwa, another member of the committee, pointed out that women often bear the heaviest burden of the squatter problem, as they are more vulnerable to eviction and exploitation. She called for an expedited process to grant legal ownership of land to locals, particularly women, to protect them from the indignity of eviction by individuals holding ownership documents.
As the committee members continue their work, they remain hopeful that the government’s commitment to resolving the squatter problem will finally bring lasting change to the Coast region. With careful planning, public participation, and a focus on the historical context of the issue, there is optimism that the government can achieve its goal of resettling landless families and creating a more stable and prosperous future for the region.
