Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has initiated his hunt for top officials who authorized the construction of buildings in Riparian land and the first casualty of the process is John Ojwang’.
Governor Mike Sonko on Tuesday suspended John Ojwang’, a staff at the county’s Urban Planning Department, for his role in the approval of buildings erected on riparian land.
The suspension follows preliminary investigations ordered by Governor Sonko to hold to account county staff responsible for the irregular approvals.
In a statement sent to newsrooms by the governor’s Director of Communications Elkana Jacob, it is alleged that Mr Ojwang’ was responsible for granting permission for the construction of South End Mall along Lang’ata Road-Mbagathi Way junction, and Gem Suites in Riverside Estate.
However, the county government noted that most of the illegal approvals were done in the 1980s and 1990s mainly by staff who have since retired or left City Hall.
Mr Ojwang’ was responsible for the authorisation of the two buildings mentioned above.
“Nairobi City County Government has today suspended John Ojwang’, an employee in the Urban Planning Department for his role in the approval of buildings on riparian land,” read the statement.
The officer has since been issued with a 14-day notice to show cause why disciplinary action should not be taken against him, including termination of his employment.
Thousands of buildings, owned by powerful individuals are being targeted in the demolition exercise that kicked off on Monday and is expected to last for about two months.
In a report by the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), dated June 26, the Government has earmarked buildings, structures and even facilities sitting on riparian land which will soon be flattened.On Monday, the multi-agency team comprising of NEMA, KURA and Nairobi County brought down Shell petrol station in Kileleshwa along with the popular Java restaurant, a tenant of the station while South End Mall was also a casualty.
President Uhuru Kenyatta on sunday promised to continue with the war against corruption and impunity as he urged the public to join in apprehending perpetrators.
The President claimed he is ready to lose friends and allies and warning than no one will be spared, regardless of his power or riches.
“I have lost close friends over the war on corruption. We must be ready to lose friends and do what is right in the eyes of God,” Uhuru said when he addressed congregants during a service at the Faith Evangelistic Ministry church in Karen.
“A time has come for us to fight impunity, no matter how powerful you are, which high office you hold, how much wealth you have, or how many people you know in high positions — that will not save you,” Uhuru said. Last week, the government partially demolished multi-billion-shilling buildings including South End Mall, Ukay Centre, a petrol station and convenience store that were built on riparian land.
As many as 4,000 properties are marked for demolition in the operation by the multi-agency Nairobi City Regeneration team to save the Nairobi River.