Wahome: Lamu refinery project is on state land, squatters in court ‘planted by enemies’ won’t stop it
Kenyan Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome has defended the government's ownership of land designated for a new refinery project in Lamu. She dismissed legal challenges from squatters as being orchestrated by political opponents, while promising to address legitimate land claims.
Why it matters
Highlights the tension between large-scale state infrastructure development and land rights for local populations in Kenya.
Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome addressing media on October 5, 2026/ SCREENGAB Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome has defended the government’s ownership of land earmarked for the Sh2 trillion Dangote East Africa Refinery in Lamu, saying the largest portion of the project site is public land.
Wahome claimed some people taking the government to court over the land of being planted by "enemies of development", while insisting that genuine squatters and landowners with legitimate claims will be identified and addressed.
She said some people had lived on specific parcels for decades, with some inheriting their occupation from their grandparents and great-grandparents.
"There are ways that we are able also to identify those who are genuine. Sometimes they could be on a specific land for more than 30, 50, 60 years. Some, their grandparents or great-grandparents, are there," Wahome said.
"Those are the cases that we are dealing with."
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