Uhuru challenged over historical injustices

Senator Hassan Omar     PHOTO   ;   COURTESY

Mombasa, Kenya: Three senators have challenged President Uhuru Kenyatta to address historical land injustices at the coast if he is sincere about addressing corruption.

Senators Hassan Omar (Mombasa), Stewart Madzayo (Kilifi) and Boy Juma Boy (Kwale) said President Uhuru's recent apology to Kenyans on historical injustices will not be relevant if his government fails to address land issue.

Speaking during the burial of Madzayo's mother, Esther Mujeni Mwachiru, at Pingilikani village in Chonyi sub-county, Mr Omar said coastal Kenya was the worst hit region when it comes to historical land injustices, and the culprits are well-known.

"For the president to be realistic in his recent State of the Nation speech, he has to act and ensure all grabbed lands are repossessed and returned to the indigenous people," said the senator.

Omar dared the President to order for the nullification of all land title deeds acquired illegally by land grabbers, saying they are known individuals.

"Land grabbing by influential people in the coast region started way back after independence. The president has to order for the nullification of the title needs if he is serious about ending graft," said Omar.

  KNOWN INDIVIDUALS

Mr Boy accused Uhuru of paying lip service then buying time as was the case with previous governments.

"The statement by the Head of State that he was committed to fighting corruption was  simply a public relation exercise. We are sure nothing will happen, just as it happened in previous governments," said Boy.

Madzayo alleged that corrupt individuals in government are well known and called for their sacking.

"President Uhuru should stop playing politics and sack all corrupt people in his government if Kenyans are to take him seriously. Corrupt figures are well known," said Madzayo.

Those present included Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi and MPs Gideon Mungaro (Kilifi North), William Kamoti (Rabai), Gunga Mwinga (Kaloleni) and Peter Shehe (Ganze).