MUHURI Raises Alarm Over Land Grabbing in Lamu County

The Muslim for Human Rights (MUHURI) organization has expressed deep concern over escalating cases of land grabbing in Lamu County. Speaking to Informed Insight Kenya earlier today, MUHURI board director and Emergency Response Officer Francis Auma revealed that residents of Lamu Highland have been enduring land disputes allegedly orchestrated by government officials, including the Lamu OCPD and OCS.

Auma stated that even residents with legitimate ownership documents, such as title deeds, have lost their land through questionable means. He suggested that the residents’ hospitality and their predominantly Muslim faith might make them more vulnerable to exploitation.

Image: Francis Auma response officer  and Muhuri board director (left) Khalifa khelef addressing the press.

“People here are taken advantage of, and despite having all the necessary documents, they are still being stripped of their land. When we attempted to seek clarity on the matter, we were chased away,” said Auma.

Auma highlighted the plight of one resident, popularly known as Marus, who reportedly lost his land, which is now being used for the construction of a church. He called on higher authorities and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate the matter and ensure justice is served.

“This issue requires urgent intervention from the highest offices. The victims cannot continue to suffer in silence while their rights are violated,” he said.

Land grabbing in Lamu County is a growing crisis, with indigenous communities facing displacement and exploitation despite their ancestral claims. Public lands, including ecologically sensitive areas like the Shela sand dunes, have been encroached upon by private entities, while locals struggle to secure land rights due to poverty and bureaucratic hurdles. Fishing sites and other livelihoods are disrupted as land is seized, often under dubious circumstances. Advocacy groups, such as Save Lamu, are calling for government transparency and stronger protections to address these issues and preserve the region’s cultural and environmental heritage.

Now the latest matter is before the courts, pending a hearing. MUHURI is hopeful that the legal system will provide a resolution and protect the rights of the affected residents.