Residents of Kililana in Lamu County in a demonstration over land grabbing. Photo by Ben Okweingoti. 
By Ben Okwiengoti
Residents of Kililana in Lamu County, under the Kililana Farmers Association, have accused the national government of forcefully grabbing their ancestral land and displacing them without consultation to pave the way for mega development projects.
In a peaceful demonstration held in Lamu Island, the aggrieved community members demanded inclusion in all development matters affecting their land and livelihoods. They decried the ongoing evictions, claiming they were being removed from their homes without due process.
Led by Mr. Mohamed Athman of the Save Lamu organization and community activist Mrs. Raya Famau, the residents expressed shock at the government's actions. They revealed that the community had willingly donated 300 hectares of land years ago for the construction of the Lamu Port project. However, they were now facing forceful evictions from an expansive 70,000-hectare stretch—allegedly under orders from top government officials.
“We gave them 300 hectares for the Lamu Port project with the understanding that residents would receive title deeds in Kililana B, Magogoni, Mashindwana, and Kwasasi,” said Mr. Athman. “What we are now witnessing is rampant destruction of homes and property, with officials claiming the government has allocated land to the US military to build an airstrip at Simba Magogoni.”
The community is now demanding full compensation for the losses incurred and a halt to all evictions until proper consultations are done.
“I rely on my land to feed and educate my children who are now in high school,” lamented Mwanaisha Kililana. “But KDF soldiers evicted me with threats of arrest. Are we not Kenyans too? Or do some people have more rights than others?”
Mrs. Famau echoed the community’s frustration, calling for transparency and justice. She also criticized Lamu Governor Issa Timamy for his silence on the issue.
“No development should happen in our area without the county government’s knowledge,” she said. “I ask Governor Timamy—why are you silent when your people are being unjustly evicted? You should be protecting us, not watching in silence.”
The residents say they are not against development but insist it must be inclusive, transparent, and respectful of their land rights and dignity.
