Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho has given a directive stopping the eviction of squatters from a parcel of land owned by port workers.
His instruction disregards a court order issued last week by the Mombasa High Court ruling that the land belongs to Bandari Sacco hence the squatters ought to evict.
Speaking to media, County Secretary Francis Thoya stated that Joho had directed that over 4,000 squatters stay put and ignore the eviction notices.
[caption caption="A section of youth who were protesting the eviction"]
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Some of the residents had started evicting following notices issued by Bandari Sacco.
Additionally, Mr Thoya condemned what he described as "chaotic eviction of squatters from their ancestral parcels of land in Kisauni.
"We have come here to tell you to stay put and not to be afraid because you have your people too. Governor Joho has sanctioned your stay on this land," Thoya told the squatters on Monday.
Reiterating Thoya's sentiments, Lands Executive Edward Nyale stated that the department would not allow tycoons to "illegally evict" thousands of residents from their ancestral land.
"No eviction or development of land should be undertaken before the county is consulted. We hold the land in trust for the people," Nyale noted.
However, the High Court has already ruled that the land in question does not belong to the squatters and ordered a freeze on further settlements.
The court ordered police to ensure no new structures are put up in the land after Bandari Sacco sought protection from the squatters.
According to Nguu Tatu squatters’ chairman Martin Chiponda, several homes, three schools, two churches and a mosque have already been demolished.
[caption caption="Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho after unveiling a project at Statue at Mamba Village Centre."]
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