National Lands Commission Chairman Muhammad Swazuri, on Wednesday, admitted that Weston Hotel was illegitimately handed over to DP William Ruto.
In an interview with Citizen TV, Swazuri revealed that his deputy, Abigael Mbagaya, signed off on the commission’s decision to award the land to DP in an unprocedural manner.
He further divulged that the entire decision was made in his absence and that by the time he resumed office, the commission had already signed off.
“I also saw it after it had been signed that that is the decision. Although I’m the chair of the commission, in this one I did not participate because the proceedings were done when I was away.
“If you ask me I can say it is not procedural...but people have their own perceptions,” he admitted.
“I was out of office from 13th August up to 30th November…the rest of the commission adjudicated on that matter during that time and made a decision in my absence,” he continued.
Swazuri, however, disclosed that after looking at the proceedings, he intended to take action through consultations with other members of the commission.
On January 25, NLC established that Ruto’s Weston Hotel sat on public land compelling him to pay Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) Ksh300 million for its acquisition.
KCAA has, however, rejected the NLC directive claiming that it was not interested in compensation and would push for the hotel to be demolished.
The hotel, which is near Wilson Airport, is five floors high against a regulation that buildings near the airport should not be higher than two floors.
Here is the Video:
