Uhuru Sparks Uproar Over Waitiki Land Directive

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Sunday sparked an online outrage after he announced that squatters of the controversial Waitiki farm in Likoni, Mombasa, would have to pay compulsory dues to the Government. 

The President on Saturday, firmly stated that the Government had bought the Waitiki land therefore had to recover the amount spent.

“I have to tell you the truth and not politicking around this matter. The government spent money from the Settlement Trust Fund kitty to pay Waitiki, this money has to be returned,” said Uhuru.

Kenyans on Twitter sided with Coast leaders and accused the President of being “heartless” for expecting squatters to come up with Sh182,000 over the required peiod of three years. The President however said he was willing to extend the period to 12 years but would not waive the money.

“We have an option of either extending that paying period from three years to 12 years, but we cannot waive away that money...This is the best deal I can give you,” he said.

According to the President, the money to be paid would be used to cater for purchasing, survey and planning costs of the land. Many Kenyans were, however, angered by how the President earlier said the squatters would be given title deeds, only for them to get Certificates of Leases that require them to pay Sh1000 per month. 

Mr Kenyatta further truthfully said the Waitiki settlers had not voted him, but his government was still keen to fulfill its pledge to all Kenyans. This statement heightened the online debate with many accusing him of holding it against the squatters by demanding for payment instead of waiving the money.