Hon. Ruweida Obo, representing Lamu East, spearheaded a delegation of 15 individuals from Boni Forest who lodged a petition regarding the degazettement of the forest.
In 2016, the Basuba Ward land within the Boni-Lungi area was designated as a state forest by the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Natural Resources, and Regional Development Authorities.
Captain Ruweida said, “These communities lack basic amenities such as schools and land. There was a glaring absence of public participation in the decision-making process, and it’s imperative for the government to completely revoke the gazettement of this area.”
She added, “The government must heed the pleas of the Basuba people.”
The petitioners commended the efforts of Captain Ruweida Obo, noting the impassable roads and citing insecurities, urging the government to address the matter.
Mohammed Kitete, a leader among the petitioners from Basuba Ward said, “We demand the degazettement of Boni Forest and the return of the land to the community, enabling us to engage in our daily activities such as farming and livestock rearing.”
However, there is optimism among the petitioners, as they see a glimmer of hope following their petition to the National Assembly.
The lawmaker highlighted that the Dodori community, particularly the Aweer, a marginalized indigenous group, has suffered significant livelihood losses and is now calling upon the Lands Ministry, in collaboration with the Lamu County Government, to expedite the registration of Boni-Lungi as community land, as stipulated in Article 63(5) of the Constitution.
Obo said that the land in question is vital for the community’s sustenance, as it has been utilized for farming, gathering natural resources such as fruits and honey, and sourcing materials for traditional medicine and construction.
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