Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya: We won't relent on bid to get land back

Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya has said his administration will not be intimidated by those using the courts to deny locals land.

He said his government would not relent in its efforts to solve historical land injustices.

Mr Mvurya made the remarks in reference to a case filed by a Mr JH Gidomal whose 710 acres reverted to Kwale residents after the 100-year lease expired.

Gidomal moved to court after the National Land Commission announced it would not renew the lease.

Expired lease

Land with expired leases in the county totals 2,500 acres.

"We are just surprised that even after the leases have expired, someone would go to court to challenge the legality of reverting it to locals," Mvurya told The Standard yesterday by phone.

He said the land had been idle for 100 years, adding they would not allow it to be taken away.

He also cautioned locals to be wary of people being used as middlemen to sell land to outsiders.