Police spokesperson Charles Owino has notified the shareholders and owners of the buildings and structures set up on riparian land and earmarked for demolition to avail their construction approval documents granted to them by relevant government agencies before the commencement of construction to the DCI offices in Nairobi. This comes after owners complained that they had earlier been allowed to proceed with construction of their designated buildings on the riparian land.
Addressing the press on Friday, Owino said the Director of Criminal Investigations has opened a special desk at the DCI offices to register concerns of those affected by the ongoing demolitions. “Proprietors of buildings that haven’t been earmarked for demolition and are of the opinion that their buildings are built on riparian land should present their approval documents and land titles for verification,” he added.
The police spokesperson said the demolition operation will serve as an example, and the government officers who were involved in the illegal approvals should take responsibility. He urged Kenyans who want to construct their buildings to go through the requisite conditions needed and that having high-end connections and influence has its limits, “Today you think you know me, but tomorrow I won’t be there.” So far, Ukay Mall in Westlands, South End Mall along Lang’ata road and Shell station in Kileleshwa are among the known buildings which have been demolished.