Kaya Elders Back Coast Land Titling Programme, Defend UDA’s Sarai Against Resignation Calls

Kaya elders under the Amidzi Kudzacha umbrella have thrown their weight behind the government’s Coast land titling programme, praising it as a historic step towards addressing decades of land injustice along the Kenyan coast.

Speaking to journalists in Mombasa on Saturday, Amidzi Kudzacha member Saidi Mwakunemwa said the recent issuance of thousands of title deeds in the region marks a significant milestone for families who have lived on land for generations without legal ownership documents.

“We appreciate the government’s commitment to ensuring residents acquire legal ownership documents for land they have occupied for many years. The programme will restore dignity, security and economic empowerment to many families,” Mwakunemwa said.

Elders Defend Sarai

The elders also used the occasion to push back against calls for the resignation of United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Hassan Sarai, saying he has been a consistent voice for Coast residents on land and housing rights.

Mwakunemwa described the resignation demands as unwarranted, arguing that Sarai has done nothing wrong and has been championing the concerns of communities long burdened by land ownership challenges.

“We have not seen any wrongdoing on his part. He has spoken on behalf of people who have suffered from land ownership challenges for many years,” she said.

Surveyors Urged to Move Fast

Amidzi Kudzacha Chairman Ramadhan Beja backed the call for faster implementation of the Coast land titling programme, urging surveyors to begin ground work immediately so affected families can receive title deeds without further delays.

Beja said prolonged uncertainty over land ownership has caused anxiety among residents who continue to fear eviction despite occupying their land for years.

“We want surveyors to move to the ground as soon as possible so that residents can receive title deeds and secure ownership of their land,” he said.

He added that local leaders supporting the programme deserve respect rather than criticism, and expressed confidence that the government’s intervention would resolve long-standing disputes affecting communities across Mombasa and the wider Coast region.

Elder Born in 1953 Tells His Story

Kaya elder Mzee Kadenge Malingi, a lifelong resident of Kashani in Kisauni Sub-county, gave a personal account of what the Coast land titling programme means to indigenous families.

Born in 1953, Malingi said he and generations before him have called the area home, yet they remain without legal recognition of their land rights.

“We were born here; our parents and grandparents lived here and were buried here. We want justice and recognition of our rights as Kenyans,” he said.

Malingi urged the government to stay firm in implementing the programme and protect vulnerable families from displacement, warning that continued eviction threats could derail progress on historical land justice in the region.