Lamu residents ask gov't for alternative land as Dangote refinery project takes shape

The residents said they have not challenged the government's call to vacate the land, but allege that land grabbers are attempting to mislead them and the government over ownership of the area.

The concerns come against the backdrop of President William Ruto's declaration that the government will not compensate people occupying public land.

Three days after the groundbreaking of the Dangote refinery in Lamu, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over Magogoni, as tractors continue to work on the land.

The area has developed into a settlement over the past decade, leaving residents uncertain about what the refinery project will mean for their homes and livelihoods.

"Wanaendelea kazi yao kuchimba mchanga. Tunaambiwa kwamba mpaka hiyo mchanga iende ipimwe na tujulikane kwamba sisi tuko ndani ama tuko nje. Sisi tumebaki hali ya kuwa, yaani hatuelewi, hatujachanganyikiwa kusema ule ukweli," Beatrice Kadzo, a resident of Kalavu, said.

Residents noted that they needed clarity on where they will go if they are required to leave the area.

"Tunaomba serikali bwana isituondoshe hivi hivi kavukavu. Maana yake, ukisha tuondoshe tutaenda kuelekea pale, kuelekea wapi sisi? Sisi twaomba watu watufidie sisi hizi haki zetu, ardhi zetu za miaka na miaka kuingia miaka, toka, kisha na sisi ndiyo roho yetu itafurahi," Mohamed Omar, a resident of Magogoni, said.

Most residents pointed out that they relocated from Pate Island and do not hold title deeds for the subdivided pieces of land where they have settled.

Speaking on Thursday, President Ruto said the government would not compensate individuals laying claim to public land, but would consider genuine owners whose private land is required for the project.

Residents, however, revealed that they had occupied and used the land for years and question the emergence of individuals claiming ownership of the area.

"Sisi ni wenyeji, tumemiliki ardhi kwa kulima, ila kwa documents sisi sio wenyewe. Na sisi tulipokuja hapa hawa matajiri hatujawahi kuwaona mpaka saa hii. Vile kuna huu mradi ndiyo sasa tunaona watu wamekuja kujitokeza," Said Ali, a resident of Mkondoni, said.

Treasury and Economic Planning Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi said the government was aware of concerns surrounding land claims in the area.

"Cartels are all over in town with briefcases brokering, bringing people who have never set foot there and claiming they are locals. But if there are genuine cases, the government is not irresponsible to just evict without compensation or looking for alternative spaces for compensation," Mbadi said.

According to the government, the Dangote East Africa refinery will be established on land set aside for the LAPSSET project.

A Malindi Court declined to stop the groundbreaking of the refinery, with the hearing of a petition filed by a section of residents scheduled for October 14.

For residents of Magogoni, the focus now is on securing clarity over their status and finding alternative settlement options if they are required to vacate the area.