- Government to purchase land from absentee landlords to resettle squatters on the Coast.
- Senate Speaker Amason Kingi and several Cabinet Secretaries tasked with vetting legitimate landlords for compensation.
- Ruto emphasized that resolving historical land injustices will take time but is a priority.
- Squatters in Kilifi to receive title deeds for ADC land later this year.
- President announced a week-long tour of the Coast region to inspect development projects.
Government’s Plan to Address Squatter Problem
President William Ruto has announced that the government will purchase land from absentee landlords to help resettle squatters at the Coast.
Speaking at the funeral of Mzee Kingi Mwaruwa Mkweha, father of Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, in Magarini Constituency, Kilifi County, Ruto confirmed that funds have been set aside to compensate genuine absentee landlords.
“I have tasked Senate Speaker Amason Kingi and Cabinet Secretaries Alice Wahome (Lands), Hassan Joho (Mining), and Salim Mvurya (Sports) with identifying and vetting legitimate absentee landlords for compensation,” said President Ruto.
The President acknowledged that resolving the long-standing land injustices at the Coast will take time but assured squatters that his administration is committed to delivering on this promise.
“It will not be completed in one or two years, but we will ensure we largely solve the squatter problem at the Coast,” he emphasized.
Title Deeds for Kilifi Squatters
Ruto also addressed the land ownership disputes over African Development Corporation (ADC) land in Magarini, promising that affected residents will receive title deeds later this year.
High-Profile Attendees and Development Tour
The event was attended by:
- Deputy President Kithure Kindiki
- Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi
- National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula
- Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro
- Lamu Governor Issa Timamy
- Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff
President Ruto also announced that he will tour development projects across the Coast region, covering Lamu, Tana River, Kwale, Kilifi, Mombasa, and Taita-Taveta counties in the coming week.
