MP Among Squatters Awarded Title Deeds in Miritini

By Mbungu Harrison

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

In a historic land regularization event held in Miritini, more than 500 residents were officially awarded title deeds by the Mombasa County government and among the recipients was Jomvu Member of Parliament Badi Twalib.

Twalib revealed had been living as a squatter for over a decade and the historic event now makes him a land owner,just like the residents he represent in parliament.

The revelation shocked dignitaries and residents alike as the three-term MP shared his personal story during the ceremony, highlighting a journey of humility and solidarity with the people he represents.

“I have been living as a squatter,” said Twalib jokingly, after Former Mombasa governor Hassan Joho asked him to tell the crowd how important the event meant to him.

“It’s not because I don’t have the potential to procure a land title, but because I wanted to ensure I benefit together with my people without leaving them behind.”Twalib said.

Twalib’s decision to wait until the community received their documentation underscores what he described as a deliberate choice to avoid appearing selfish or privileged.

His comments drew praise from both county officials and residents, many of whom have lived for decades without formal land ownership.

“This milestone is a significant step towards empowering our people and promoting sustainable development in the region,” Twalib added.

The issuance of the title deeds marked a major milestone in the county’s longstanding efforts to resolve historical land injustices.

The Mombasa County Department of Lands and Planning, under the leadership of Governor Abdulswamad Sherrif Nassir, facilitated the event, which took place on Saturday.

Governor Nassir reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to extending land reforms across all sub-counties of Mombasa.

“The dream of home ownership and dignity through secure land tenure has been a long journey for the people of Miritini,” Nassir said.

He added “This milestone not only empowers families with the security of ownership but also strengthens our county by expanding our valuation roll and increasing revenue to serve our people better.”

The governor emphasized that the county is on a mission to unlock the full potential of its communities through responsible and inclusive land management.

The Miritini Site and Service Scheme, originally launched in 1986 through World Bank support and officially handed over in 1996, has since evolved into a well-developed neighborhood. The area now boasts essential infrastructure, including piped water, sewerage systems, electricity, drainage, and paved roads.

Out of 921 plots within the Miritini Scheme, 420 had already been titled in previous phases. This latest round added over 400 more, with the county promising to continue until every rightful resident has secure tenure.

“We are organized and have a serious plan to expand this initiative to other parts of the county in an orderly fashion,” Nassir assured.

Residents who had waited decades for ownership were visibly emotional, some recalling how their grandparents had settled on the land but never lived to see this day.

Mohamed Hussein, the Chief Executive Member (CECM) for Lands and Planning, reiterated the county’s zero-tolerance stance against land grabbing and vowed to bring long-term solutions to land-related challenges across the county.

“Mombasa is determined to resolve land issues. We ask people to stay calm as we work towards removing these issues once and for all,” said Hussein. “We are building a future where every family stands on the foundation of dignity, opportunity, and prosperity.”

He also urged residents to remain vigilant against fraud and cooperate with authorities to root out illegal land deals.

The high-profile event was graced by top national and regional leaders, including former Mombasa Governor and current Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, MPs Junet Mohamed, Edwin Sifuna, Omar Mwinyi, Zamzam Mohamed, Rashid Bedzimba, Mishi Mboko, Rozah Buyu, Beatrice Elachi, Renee Mayaka, and a host of MCAs and County Executive Members.

The presence of prominent ODM leaders further underscored the political importance of the event, with many hailing the move as a blueprint for resolving land issues across the coastal region and beyond.

As the sun set over Miritini, hundreds of residents walked away with the most valuable piece of paper they may ever hold — a legal title to their land. For them, it wasn’t just a document, but the key to stability, dignity, and a better future.