Activists Clash with Police Over Housing Project in Watamu

By The COAST Team

Email,thecostnewspaper@gmail.com

A stand off ensued between Watamu residents, environmentalists, human rights activists, and police over a three-acre parcel of land identified for affordable housing project.

The Monday, December 29, 2025 incident saw the angered residents invade the housing site to stop any development until a case filed in the courts was heard and determined.

According to the residents the police are protecting the site and construction of the project against court order stopping the contractor from building.

They accused the police of protecting the contractor and ignoring the high court orders to stop further development until the case was heard and determined.

A copy of the court order served to the contractor. (Photo By Mwakwaya Raymond)

To show their determination, the residents accompanied by civil societies printed several copies of the court orders and pasted them at the temporary iron sheets fence the site before attempting to break through the gate.

In tow was Vocal Africa chief executive officer Hussein Khalid, Walid Sketty, Shakira Wafula and local community head Halima Ali who engaged the police in running battles forcing the latter to use tear gas to disperse them.

The vocal boss said the government should not force a project to the people against their wishes or will.

On his part, Sketty accused police of being used to protect the contractor instead of protecting the interests of the people.

“We are not against the project, but the site where it’s located is at the entrance of Watamu – a tourist spot. So, it should be relocated,” he said.

Community head Halima Ali address the Media in Watamu after demonstration. (Photo By Mwakwaya Raymond)

The clearance done on site has destroyed several old indigenous trees some of which are more than 35 years.

In other parts of the country, the affordable housing projects are up and running while several residents have since been relocated to their new homes such as Kibera and Mukuru slum areas.

In Kilifi County, Tezo and Mariakani have been identified as the areas earmarked for the affordable housing project.

The President launched the program in 2024 and it is picking momentum across the country.