Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko on Wednesday released a statement after a leaked audio of a phone conversation between him and his Kiambu counterpart Ferdinand Waititu.
The clip was shared widely on social media where Waititu is heard pleading for the release of his wife Susan Wangare who had been arrested earlier in the day together with 14 others.
In that regard, the Nairobi County Government took full responsibility for the incident clarifying that all arrested persons were properly processed by the court as was their right and all fourteen persons were charged.
"In a leaked telephone conversation, one of the affected persons sought the intervention of H. E. the Governor to have one of the arrested individuals released.
[caption caption="Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko"]
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"Governor Sonko while exercising due peer respect with a counterpart stressed the importance of not deviating from Government Policy and practice in this enforcement exercise.
"This is in keeping with the principle of active Independence between the arms of Nairobi City County Government on one part, and Nairobi City County and the National Government on the other," the statement seen by Kenyans.co.ke read in part.
Sonko's administration added that the arrests were part of the purge against contractors and developers building on riparian land or constructing without necessary approvals or adherence to the same.
"In the course of operations held today 15th August, 2018, County Officers evaluated a number of properties within the CBD area. Two properties, namely Jamii Bora Building at the junction of Koinange Street and Moktar Daddah Street; and Delta Hotel along University Way both in the Central Business District were found to be in violation of the requisite development approvals," the governor stated.
Fourteen construction workers and owners of the respective developments were arrested and arraigned at the City Court where they were charged with construction without approvals, permitting occupation of a building without a building certificate, and obstruction.
"This enforcement action is pursuant to the commitment by the Administration of H.E. Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko to ensure adherence to the rule of law and is in firm support of H.E the President’s fight against impunity and corruption," the statement added.
Here is the video of the conversation:
