MOMBASA, Kenya — In a landmark land regularization event held in Miritini, the Mombasa County government on Saturday officially issued title deeds to more than 500 residents — a milestone that not only resolved decades of land uncertainty but also delivered a moment of stunning personal revelation from a sitting legislator.
Among the recipients was Jomvu Member of Parliament Badi Twalib, who disclosed that he himself had been living as a squatter for over 10 years.
“I have been living as a squatter,” Twalib admitted, drawing gasps from the audience before adding humorously, “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.”
The three-term MP’s remarks, prompted by former Mombasa governor and current Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, struck a chord with residents and dignitaries alike. Many praised Twalib for his humility and solidarity with the community he represents in Parliament.
The ceremony was spearheaded by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sherrif Nassir, who reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling historical land injustices across all sub-counties.
“The dream of home ownership and dignity through secure land tenure has been a long journey for the people of Miritini,” Governor Nassir said. “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 land allocation stems from the Miritini Site and Service Scheme, initiated in 1986 with World Bank support and officially handed over in 1996. Over the years, the area has grown into a thriving neighborhood with piped water, sewerage systems, electricity, drainage, and paved roads.
Out of 921 plots under the scheme, 420 had been titled in previous phases. The latest allocation has added over 400 more, with county officials vowing to continue until every rightful resident secures ownership.
Residents who have lived for generations on the land without ownership described the event as life-changing. Some recalled how their parents and grandparents had settled in Miritini but died before seeing formal recognition of their property rights.
“This is more than just a piece of paper,” said one emotional resident. “It is the key to dignity, stability, and a future we can finally build upon.”
Mombasa County Executive Member for Lands and Planning, Mohamed Hussein, assured residents that the administration will pursue long-term land reforms while guarding against fraud.
“Mombasa is determined to resolve land issues. We ask people to stay calm as we work towards removing these issues once and for all,” Hussein said. “We are building a future where every family stands on the foundation of dignity, opportunity, and prosperity.”
He urged communities to remain vigilant and work with authorities to eliminate illegal land deals.
The high-profile event was attended by top ODM leaders and national figures, including CS Hassan Joho, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, MPs Junet Mohamed, Omar Mwinyi, Zamzam Mohamed, Rashid Bedzimba, Mishi Mboko, Rozah Buyu, Beatrice Elachi, Renee Mayaka, and several MCAs.
Their presence underscored the political significance of the exercise, with many hailing it as a potential blueprint for resolving land issues across the Coast region and beyond.
As the sun set over Miritini, hundreds of residents walked away holding what may be the most valuable document of their lives — a legal title deed.
For them, it symbolized not just ownership, but the long-awaited justice of securing their family’s future.
“This milestone is a significant step towards empowering our people and promoting sustainable development in the region,” MP Badi Twalib concluded, speaking both as a legislator and now, at last, a landowner.
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