Kongo Mosque Grabbing Thwarted as EACC Steps in to Protect Centuries-Old Heritage Site

The bold intervention by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) in the attempted seizure of the historic Kongo Mosque stands as a rare but critical victory for heritage conservation. On Friday, May 16, anti-graft detectives led by EACC Chief Executive Officer Abdi Mohamud stopped a clandestine effort to grab the centuries-old mosque located in Mombasa County. Their swift action not only safeguarded one of Kenya’s oldest religious sites but also sent a strong message to land cartels targeting national monuments. The Kongo Mosque case is not isolated. Kenya has been grappling with a disturbing trend of land grabbing, particularly targeting properties with historical, cultural, or governmental significance. [Photo: Courtesy] EACC Halts Attempted Grabbing of Kongo Mosque After Tip-Off From Locals The attempted land grabbing of the Kongo Mosque, a treasured Islamic heritage site nestled in the coastal landscape of Mombasa County, was foiled after local residents raised the alarm. EACC CEO Abdi Mohamud and his team of detectives quickly launched an investigation into the suspicious activity. Within weeks, they secured legal orders barring any individual or institution from altering, selling or developing the contested site. Erected more than 700 years ago, the Kongo Mosque is renowned for its unique coral stone walls and classic Swahili architectural style—a reflection of Kenya’s precolonial Islamic heritage. Twice declared a national monument by the government—in 1927 and again in 1983—the mosque is a cultural and religious landmark that has withstood the test of time, predating even the iconic Fort Jesus. “This mosque has stood here long before Fort Jesus. Its history is interwoven with the Swahili culture and Islamic faith,” Mohamud told residents while assuring them that the property would remain untouched. “We are here to witness and ensure that the mosque, which has been grabbed, is recovered and protected for future generations.” The CEO also confirmed that the Commission had written to the Ministry of Lands, instructing officials to freeze any pending or future transactions involving the property. By invoking legal and administrative means, the EACC effectively crippled the attempt by well-connected individuals to unlawfully possess the site. Public Outcry Drives Action to Protect Kongo Mosque from Grabbing The community's unwavering commitment to preserving the mosque played a pivotal role in prompting swift intervention. Residents of Mombasa—many of whom consider the mosque not only a place of worship but a symbol of cultural identity—were outraged by the bold attempt to seize the land. This local vigilance reflects growing public frustration with the widespread plunder of communal and historical lands across Kenya. Over the past decade, numerous heritage sites, wetlands, school lands and public amenities have fallen prey to greedy speculators often shielded by bureaucratic complicity and political interference. In this case, however, the residents refused to remain silent. Their prompt whistleblowing allowed EACC to act decisively before irreversible damage was done. The successful operation underscores the importance of citizen participation in the protection of Kenya’s historical landmarks. “The public is our first line of defense against corruption,” Mohamud noted during his public address. “It is through such civic responsibility that we are able to confront and dismantle illegal networks exploiting state resources.” Land Grabbing of Heritage Sites a Growing Threat Across Kenya The Kongo Mosque case is not isolated. Kenya has been grappling with a disturbing trend of land grabbing, particularly targeting properties with historical, cultural or governmental significance. Just last year in December, EACC officers recovered a parcel of land worth Ksh30 million located adjacent to State House in Mombasa. Investigations revealed that corrupt government officials had illegally acquired 5,296 square feet of the public land through fraudulent transactions. The High Court ruled in favor of EACC, ordering the return of the land to the government and awarding Ksh5 million in damages to cover the Commission’s legal expenses. These victories, while commendable, represent only a fraction of the broader crisis. Powerful syndicates continue to exploit weak enforcement, outdated land registries and institutional corruption to orchestrate illegal takeovers of public spaces. Schools, hospitals, forests and monuments remain vulnerable to encroachment unless radical reforms are implemented. Experts argue that preserving sites like Kongo Mosque goes beyond legal compliance—it is an act of honoring Kenya’s past, safeguarding its identity, and educating future generations. Once such sites are lost to private development, the cultural wound becomes irreversible. The EACC’s successful intervention has reignited calls for comprehensive audits of all heritage properties and enhanced collaboration between county governments, the National Museums of Kenya and anti-graft agencies.