Three years after the 2022 election, President William Ruto has yet to resolve the long-standing land dispute in the Coast region despite campaign pledges. Senate Speaker Amason Kingi recently urged residents to re-elect him to address the issue. Civil society groups remain skeptical about implementation.
During the 2022 campaign, President Ruto promised to tackle historical land grievances in the Coast, including buying farms from absentee landlords to distribute to squatters.
He appointed leaders such as Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, Minister Hassan Joho, and Salim Mvurya to negotiate with owners. Yet few steps have been taken, leaving squatters fearful of evictions.
Last year, at Kingi's father's funeral in Kamale, Magarini, Ruto announced Sh3.8 billion allocated for land purchases. “We have made progress and now have funds to pay absentee landlords,” Ruto said, noting it would take time but promises would be fulfilled substantially.
Last week in Ganze, Kingi stated negotiations with large landowners succeeded and the government would buy the farms. “The President has promised to restore our dignity,” he said, assuring re-election ensures resolution.
Kenya Land Alliance's Nagib Shamsan expressed doubts. “We await action before the 2027 election,” he questioned, voicing fears of empty pledges.
