Nairobi Governor Sonko Sends Home Official Who Approved Construction of Demolished South End Mall

Governor Mike Sonko has sent home a county officer alleged to have been behind the approval of two buildings constructed on riparian land in Nairobi.

Sonko suspended John Ojwang, an official in the Urban Planning Department for allegedly granting authority for setting up of the South End Mall at the Langata Road-Mbagathi Way Junction and Gem Suits in Riverside estate.

South End Mall, owned by former Bobasi Member of Parliament Stephen Manoti was demolished last week for standing on top of Mutuini-Ngong River. The building was estimated to be worth close to Sh1 billion.

“Mr Ojwang has been issued with a notice to show cause within 14 days why disciplinary action should not be taken against him, including termination of employment,” reads a press statement dispatched from Sonko’s office.

“The suspension follows preliminary investigations ordered by Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko to hold responsible the staff who gave the approvals irregularly.”

Governor Sonko said approvals of most of the buildings earmarked for demolition for sitting on riparian were issued in the 1980s and 1990s by staff who have since retired.

The Nairobi Governor said more structures will be flattened in coming weeks for illegally sitting on wetlands contrary to Article 67 of the Constitution, which lists such areas as public land.