The Environment and Land Court on Monday issued temporary orders blocking Governor Mike Sonko’s administration from demolishing Nairobi’s Marble Arch Hotel.
In his ruling, Justice Okong’o has directed the officer in charge of Central Police Station to offer protection to the hotel located within the Central Business District and ensure it’s not brought down.
The orders come two weeks after Governor Sonko issued a demolition notice to the management of the multi-million-shilling business premises for allegedly encroaching on a road.
Sonko also directed the hotel management to submit development approvals for the property, including occupation certificate, to City Hall for verification.
“You are hereby required to provide development approvals to City Hall for verification including occupation certificate,” reads the notice.
The three-star hotel located along Lagos Road in Nairobi is owned by Nairobi billionaire businessman Mike Maina, who Sonko claims was behind a series of demolitions in Nyama Villa Estate in Kayole a few weeks ago.
In a call recording that leaked online, Sonko was heard telling Maina that he would go after his businesses in revenge over his role in Nyama Villa demolitions that left several people homeless.
A few hours later, Sonko flattened the parking lot of the Marble Arch Hotel for allegedly standing on a road reserve.
Apparently we practice a…
Apparently we practice a justice that is “the advantage of the stronger”-Thrasymachus. While believing in an illusion of a justice that lifts the weak and restrains the rich and powerful in society. The same justice that blocks for the hotel should have saved the Nyama Villa. The self-styled public defenders, should be more thoughtful and not play into the hands of the rich peoples’ lawyers; only to be delivered to a justice that is said to be blind.