President Uhuru Kenyatta (centre), his deputy William Ruto (right) and Lamu Governor Issa Timmamy (left) addresses journalists at State House in Nairobi on July 31,2 014 where he ordered for the repossession of 500,000 acres of public land acquired illegally in Lamu by 22 entities between the year 2011 and 2012. PHOTO | EVANS HABIL 
President Uhuru Kenyatta has ordered Lands cabinet secretary Charity Ngilu to repossess 500,000 acres of public land in Lamu that was irregularly allocated to 22 private entities.
The land, according to the President, accounts for 70 per cent of land in Lamu county.
He ordered Ms Ngilu, together with the National Land Commission, to revoke the title deeds of the private entities.
The 22 private entities include Brick Investments Limited, Rusken International Limited, Mat International, itu Nyangoro (DA) Company, itu Conservative Self Help Group, Shanghai Investment Limited and Fincorp Investments (K) Limited.
Others are Kaab Investments, Sheila Ranch Limited, Dynamic Trading Co. Limited , Savannah Fresh Fruits Exports
The order follows a comprehensive audit of land transactions in Lamu county that revealed irregular transfers 2011 to 2012.
President Kenyatta made the announcement during a press briefing at State House, Nairobi, after meeting with Lamu leaders and his security team.
Present at the meeting were deputy president William Ruto, Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku.
Subsequent tweets from State House after the press briefing stated that the land in Lamu was grabbed strategically for speculation purposes targeting the Lamu Port and South Sudan Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor project.