Demolition of sections of Oshwal Centre in Nairobi begun on Saturday.
The move came after Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko sent a statement maintaining that the temple, monuments and cultural centre would remain intact.
Governor Sonko indicated that three sections of the Oshwal Centre were not on riparian land.
“We are ready to preserve the temple, monuments and cultural centre because they are far from the river, but the rest of the structures, like the hall, that is within the stipulated riparian distance, must be removed,” the statement read in part.
[caption caption="A bulldozer demolishing part of Oshwal Centre"]
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Sonko urged leaders to refrain from turning the demolitions into a political issue.
The Nairobi Governor warned that those who gave businessmen permits to construct buildings on riparian land will be arrested and prosecuted.
Sonko remained adamant that the Nairobi demolitions will continue and those affected should set up their businesses elsewhere.
Ukay Centre in Westlands; South End Mall that was located at the junction of Lang’ata Road and Mbagathi Way as well as Java House and Shell Petrol Station in Kilelshwa were demolished this week.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has declared his support for the on-going demolitions of buildings that were constructed on riparian lands and waterways and singled out those who endorsed construction of the buildings as law offenders, who will be pursued and prosecuted.
[caption caption="Governor Mike Sonko"]
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He stated that the demolition exercise was part of cracking a whip on corruption and that the government was committed to ensuring that people can conduct clean business in the country.
