More than 800 families in Waa/Ngombeni, Matuga, Kwale County are up in arms over what they say is a wave of land grabbing that threatens to displace them from their ancestral homes.

The residents accuse private developers, allegedly backed by powerful individuals, of laying claim to community and beach land using suspicious title deeds.

Led by land committee chairperson Mwafitina Bakari, the affected families say they have lived on the land for decades, yet they still do not have title deeds despite years of promises from government agencies and leaders.

“People we have never seen are showing up with fake documents claiming they own this land. We’ve lived here all our lives, yet we still lack title deeds despite countless promises from national leaders and land agencies,” Bakari said.

According to him, the situation has worsened in recent months, sparking fear and confusion among families who now feel they could be kicked out of their homes at any time.

Bakari also raised concerns about the irregular allocation of land under the Waa II Settlement Scheme, previously known as Waa block 11 and 12. He claimed that land meant for locals has been allocated to outsiders, leaving rightful residents sidelined and unable to trace their parcels even after receiving titles.

“The Waa II Settlement Scheme was meant to benefit locals who have lived here for decades, but shockingly, we are seeing people from outside being given title deeds while genuine residents are left out,” he explained.

He added that other disputed areas include Amukan, Tembo Farm, Bamburi, and surrounding parcels that were meant to revert to communities after lease expiries, but have allegedly been fraudulently renewed and taken over by developers.

The families are now urging the government to revoke all suspicious title deeds and carry out a transparent adjudication process. Bakari called on President William Ruto to personally intervene and address what he termed as historical land injustices in the coastal region.

Mfaume Hamisi, another local, said the land disputes have severely affected their livelihoods. “We can no longer fish or farm in peace because our lands have been grabbed. We are frequently arrested over allegations of trespassing. Our lives have been turned upside down,” he said.

He added that fear of eviction has left many unable to invest in their land, worsening poverty and robbing them of dignity. “Independence came, but for us, nothing changed. We have no title deeds, no security, and no recognition. It’s as if we are strangers on our own soil,” Hamisi said.

He clarified that the community is not opposing the government but simply seeking protection of their constitutional right to land and shelter. He said they want to live peacefully and leave something behind for future generations.

Mwanaisha Ali, a mother, said their elders died waiting for title deeds and now their children risk growing up with no place to call home. She blamed the slow pace of land adjudication and titling for giving room to land grabbing.

Fatuma Ali, another resident, said the impact of land disputes has been especially hard on women, who are left to shoulder the burden of disrupted family incomes due to the loss of farming and fishing grounds.