The National Land Commission (NLC) recently convened a new round of hearings aimed at addressing historical land injustices (HLI) in Mombasa and Bungoma counties. The hearings, held at the NLC headquarters in Nairobi, provided a platform for claimants and respondents to present evidence and testimonies concerning longstanding disputes over land ownership, evictions, and displacement that have persisted for decades.
Chaired by Prof. James Tuitoek, who also leads the NLC’s HLI Special Committee, the sessions included commissioners Hubbie Hussein, Esther Murugi, and Tiyah Galgalo. Edmond Gichuru, head of the HLI Secretariat, facilitated the process. Among the prominent cases discussed were several from Mombasa, particularly those involving absentee landlords and coastal tenants. Many of these claims were filed under the HLI framework, highlighting grievances over land dispossession and displacement.
One key issue raised by Tuitoek was the failure of some respondents to honor NLC summonses. He expressed disappointment that despite ample time being given for compliance, some parties had not appeared. The Shikeli family, one of the most prominent cases, was granted an additional 14 days to submit relevant documentation in response to land claims against them.
The Kenya Land Alliance (KLA), a long-time advocate for land justice at the Coast, participated actively in the hearings. KLA’s delegation, led by board member Nagib Shamsan, emphasized the importance of resolving land injustices, noting that these issues have persisted for generations, particularly in coastal communities such as Swahili Village, Mwembe Kuku, Kiziwi, Kisauni, Nyali, and Freetown.
In a significant development, the Bungomek community from Bungoma County presented their claims of land injustice. The community, displaced during the 1992 tribal clashes, claimed they were forced to sell their land and livestock at undervalued prices to survive. The NLC is expected to issue its final opinion on May 27 regarding absentee landlords who have ignored summons since 2023. The commission’s efforts to resolve these deep-rooted issues continue to be crucial in restoring justice for affected communities.
