Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho has hit out at billionaire Ashok Doshi over land in Changamwe.
Joho accused the tycoon of grabbing land that belonged to Changamwe Primary School.
He vowed to put up a fight in order to keep the businessman from acquiring the land.
"Bahati mbaya alipewa na watu wa manispaa na mimi ndiye rais wa hii county. Nimesema imefutiliwa mbali. Nani mwingine ataongea zaidi ya hapo (It is unfortunate that Doshi was awarded the land by the defunct local govt and I am the president of this county so I have revoked it. Who else can give orders beyond that)?" he stated.
Joho also hit out at police officers who were being used to protect grabbed land.
"Polisi, hamkuja kwa hii mkutano. Nataka muwapelekee hii video. Hatuwezi kutulia kwa sababu nyinyi ndio mnatukera kulinda mashamba yakiibiwa (The police did not attend this meeting so I want you people to show them this video. We cannot keep calm because you (Police) annoy us by protecting grabbed land).
"If you are protectors of land grabbers make it known," Joho dared.
The land in question had been earmarked for the construction of a modern court complex.
Doshi defended himself, citing a court order barring the county government from repossessing the land.
The businessman had told the courts in 2018, that on December 17, 1996, the government, through the Commissioner of Land, leased the plot to his company for a term of 99 years at an annual rent of Ksh 90,000.
The tycoon stated that he would sue Joho's administration for contempt of court as well as institute criminal proceedings against those involved in the repossession.
