Kenyans on Twitter have all agreed that Southend Mall, the building which was demolished on Wednesday morning by a Multi-Agency government team led by NEMA deserved to be demolished. This comes in the wake of the government’s crackdown on illegal building.
Led by outspoken and controversial blogger Cyprian Nyakundi, most of them said that indeed government agencies can do their job if they decide to work.
Owners of buildings being demolished like the Southend Mall were given notice, as you would expect they ignored, topical of Kenyans.
— Brian Khaniri (@BKhaniri) August 8, 2018
“The demolition of Southend Mall and expected demolition of Taj Mall, Standard Group, Sameer Business Park, Kahama Hotel and Naivas OuterRing road shows that our institutions can work if they want. Noordin Haji leads by example.” Nyakundi posted on his twitter handle.
The demolition of Southend Mall and expected demolition of Taj Mall, Standard Group, Sameer Business Park, Kahama Hotel and Naivas OuterRing road shows that our institutions can work if they want. Noordin Haji leads by example.
— Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@AtNyakundi) August 8, 2018
Another Kenyan lauded embattled City Governor Mike Sonko for having the courage to demolish such a multi-million building, something that former governor Evans Kidero couldn’t dare do. Southend Mall was build in 2014 under the watch of Kidero’s government.
“Former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero should account for a few things that happened during this time. People made noise in 2014 when #SouthEnd Mall was being constructed. Kept mum. Today, building is going down. Evans Kidero ought to be held to account.” said Sadique Shaban.
The building which was build on riparian land was blamed for causing flooding in South C, Nairobi west and the entire Langata region.
Residents and environmentalists complained that the five storey building obstructed the flow of Mutuin-Ngong river causing flooding during the rainy season.
Former Nairobi County Housing Executive Christopher Khaemba said that Stephen Manoti, the owner of the building, moved to court after being served with the demolition notice two years ago and restrained the County from interfering with the building.
Former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero should account for a few things that happened during this time. People made noise in 2014 when #SouthEnd Mall was being constructed. Kept mum. Today, building is going down.
Evans Kidero ought to be held to account. pic.twitter.com/dKrLFLz9h3
— Saddique Shaban (@SaddiqueShaban) August 8, 2018
A section of Kenyans also asked the government not to be selective when destroying illegal buildings and go for all property that stands on government land.
Southend Mall on Lang’ata road opposite TMall being demolished by NEMA. But we want Taj Mall down! We want Standard Media Group and Sameer Business Park down! We want Kahama Hotel down! We want Naivas OuterRing down! pic.twitter.com/p06e6ZoOp8
— Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@AtNyakundi) August 8, 2018
SouthEnd Mall, Mbagathi Way is no more. NEMA is now getting serious. Taj Mall next? pic.twitter.com/RXSm7zSuGQ
— Ahmed Mohamed (@Asmali77) August 8, 2018
Lawyer Nelson Havi asked the government not to compensate the owner of the building since he had been served with several orders by NEMA, asking him to stop construction but he still went ahead.
Southend Mall in Langata is one of the many exceptions that require no sympathy or compensation. We saw the owner erect the building despite clear notice from NEMA to cease and demolish it at the foundation stage.
— Nelson Havi (@NelsonHavi) August 8, 2018