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Hundreds of Tudor residents in Mombasa staged a peaceful march to Governor Abdulswamad Nassir’s office yesterday, protesting alleged covert plans to forcibly evict them to make way for an affordable housing project.

Originally, the residents intended to march through the CBD from Tudor via Makupa, Sabasaba, Mwembe Tayari, Digo Road, and Nkrumah Road, ending at Treasury Square. However, police redirected them to alternative routes to minimize traffic disruptions in the CBD.

The frustrated residents claimed that the County Government had already approved the project and that the developer was ready to begin without their input. They believe there is a scheme to sell Tudor Estate and the nearby Moroto settlement, where many residents have lived their entire lives.

Legal procedures

“We seek justice as the county has been less than transparent about this project, which will significantly impact our lives and livelihoods. We remember what happened at Buxton Estate, where tenants were left stranded after false promises,” said John Tsuma, who led the march to the governor’s office.

County Executive Committee Member for Lands, Physical Planning, Housing, and Urban Renewal, Mohamed Hussein Mohamed,assured residents that all constitutional procedures would be followed.

“These protestors are our tenants and residents. There have been plans to redevelop the old estates and convert tenants into homeowners. We have listened to their concerns and will ensure they benefit from the project.

Public participation

“The contractor has been selected, but legal processes, including public participation, must be followed before the project officially begins. This project belongs to the wananchi, not individuals,” Mohamed stated.

Tsuma countered that after petitioning the Senate regarding the Buxton project, it was agreed that residents must be fully involved and tenant purchase agreements must be presented before initiating such projects.

“The county has not conducted public participation, yet we see signs that the project could begin anytime. We’ve tried engaging with them, but they’ve been evasive. That’s why we’ve marched to these offices. We demand answers from the governor, but he’s not here. He must explain why the estates are being sold to developers,” he insisted.

Husna Aisha, Organising Secretary of the Tudor Tenants Committee, expressed disappointment over the county’s failure to conduct public participation, calling it a constitutional violation.