End of an era: Fr Dolan's brave fight against deceit, abuse and land grabbing

An Irishman and Mombasa-based Catholic priest Fr Gabriel Dolan (right), was honoured by Ireland's President Michael Higgins in recognition of outstanding endeavours and achievements by Irish people living abroad. [Robert Menza, Standard]

Dolan says the clashes first took place on Christmas day in 1991 when people were evicted from their homes. This was just a year to the 1992 multi-party elections.

He says the problem worsened because of incitement by Sabaot and Pokot leaders. Some of the leaders went ahead to grab large tracks of land at Chepchoina ADC farm.

Meanwhile, although many commissions have been formed and investigated land grabbing, and made recommendations, Dolan regrets that the problem of land grabbing has continued to persist.

"The Ndung'u commission would have achieved more in this regard. However, its report was never implemented because most of those implicated were powerful figures in government," says Dolan.

He thinks the country has made massive gains, especially development of infrastructure, which has improved the quality of life through opening up some areas that were initially inaccessible.

Fr Dolan also supports devolution although he is worried that the current president and some people in his government did not believe in it when the new constitution was born.

He says he has always doubted Ruto's commitment to devolution "because even now, the government is attempting to control devolved funds when the money should automatically be flowing to the counties".

Dolan has also written extensively, with many of his articles being published in local newspapers, defending the Constitution and human rights.

"One of the biggest problems that Kenya faces is that those in leadership appear not to care about what the people say or feel," he says adding that many leaders view the 2010 constitution as an obstacle to their own personal interests. "They treat the constitution with a lot of contempt."

Dolan notes that President Ruto has lost the confidence of the public because of mistrust. "People don't trust those in power. It is very hard for the President to convince the people of his intentions even when he is doing something good."

"I feel there is fear among the people. It seems this government can do more than just harass people. When this government gets desperate, it may take desperate measures. We need to be very careful," says Dolan.

Dolan started Haki Yetu Forum when he moved to Mombasa. Today, the organisation has offices across the Coast region, in Kwale, Malindi, Tana River and Mombasa,

His efforts positively impacted the lives of communities living in Banglasdesh and Kibarani areas when he moved to Mombasa as he fought land grabbers some of whom were said to have links in the government.

Former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, a fellow human rights activist, also visited the area when he was still in office and assured the community that the land would be protected. Siaya governor James Orengo also contributed to these efforts when he served as the Minister for Lands.

Dolan thinks the civil society movement in the country has become a big letdown because unlike in the past when people such as Mutunga and himself took the job as a vocation, many now treat it is as a career.

Bishop Crowley says he was taken by surprise when he was recently nominated for a human rights prize by the Irish government.

Born in a poor family in 1954, Dolan the youngest in a family of six, left their home with his parents because the owner of the land they were living on wanted to sell it. Today, he has helped many people who were in a similar situation in Kenya.

Dolan says he is taking a short break to do some reflection for some months in the US but will continue with his work in Kenya online.

"I am still an active because board member of Haki Yetu and KHRC and Katiba Institute. I will be doing a lot of stuff online. I will be coming and going. You haven't heard the last of me," was his parting shot.