EACC moves to safeguard 700-year-old Kongo Mosque from land grabbers
17:05:2025: The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has intervened to stop the attempted grabbing of the historic Kongo Mosque, a centuries-old heritage site on Kenya’s Coast.
The Commission’s CEO, Mr. Abdi Mohamud (in the picture above flanked by Director Legal, Mr. David Too at a press briefing after inspecting the site of the mosque), led a team to the site yesterday, Friday 16th, assuring residents that the iconic mosque, which has stood for more than 700 years, would remain intact and protected. He was accompanied by Director David Too and EACC Deputy Regional Manager Fatuma Saad.
“We are here to witness and see the mosque that has been grabbed,” the CEO said. “In April, we received information that individuals had encroached on the land where this mosque, standing here long before Fort Jesus, has been for centuries.”
The EACC launched investigations shortly after receiving the tip-off and, in May, secured orders barring any parties from interfering with the property. The Commission also wrote to the Ministry of Lands, instructing them to halt any transactions involving the contested land.
“We assure the public that the property will remain intact,” he said, noting the significance of the mosque’s heritage.
Kongo Mosque, known for its coral stone architecture and distinctive Swahili craftsmanship, has twice been gazetted as a national monument, in 1927 and, again, in 1983, due to its historical and cultural value.
The visit comes amid heightened concerns over increasing cases of land grabbing targeting public and heritage sites across the country. Residents of the Kongo area had raised alarm over suspicious activities on the site, prompting swift action from the Lower Coast Regional Office.
The Commission has vowed to continue its vigilance and ensure that Kenya’s historical landmarks are preserved for future generations.
