A planned school construction in Changamwe has been halted due to a land dispute. The project initiated by the Changamwe MP Omar Mwinyi was put on hold after the Mombasa Court led by resident magistrate Noelyne Rueben issued temporary orders in response to a petition by the local residents contesting ownership of the land.
Businessman and politician Peterson Mitau, representing the residents argues that the land carries ancestral significance and should not be repurposed without community consent.
The petitioner claims that they were not consulted before the decision to build the school was made, this prompted them to seek legal intervention including a permanent injunction and compensation for displacement concerns.
Mitau also claimed that the lawmaker is using his political influence to illegally take over the community’s ancestral land under the disguise of building a school.
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The stalemate has ignited mixed reaction among stakeholders and parents. Some residents supporting the school projects emphasized its potential to improve education, while others argue that development should not come at the expense of the community land.
Local leaders have called for dialogue between the two warring factions to explore possible solutions.
Education experts argue that the school could provide much needed learning facilities easing congestion in existing institutions. However, community representatives maintain that their concerns must be addressed before constructions resumes.
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“The plaintiffs are in fear of losing their ancestral homes due to the defendant’s action” reads parts of the affidavit presented before the court.
As the case awaits mention in court on June 20, education officials, policy makers and local leaders hope for a resolution that supports both learning access and community rights
By Masaki Enock.
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