A Kenyan businessman living in Ireland on Tuesday, March 7, faulted the Nairobi County Government, the Chief Land registrar and three others for demolishing his property worth Ksh55 million.
In affidavits filed in court, the businessman claimed that officers were sent to evacuate tenants at his property in Pangani before it was brought down. All the while, he was out of the country on October 2021.
Moreover, he alleged that he was the legitimate owner of the property comprising 11 residential units, 4 shops and 2 ablution blocks.
The businessman moved to court to demand Ksh19 million compensation from the government alongside the value of his property.
“Police officers escorted goons and provided them with protection to demolish the property.
“The conduct of defendants of having the tenants evicted and the building demolished without due process was illegal and has caused him mental anguish and agony,” his lawyers argued.
Further narrating his plight, he stated that the building was demolished on claims that other persons had a 99-year land lease.
Additionally, the businessman revealed that the property was fetching him a monthly rental income of Ksh192,000.
Despite demand and notice of intention to sue having been given, he stated that the defendants refused to settle it.
“Following the said illegal and unlawful demolition of my property and the frustrations I have encountered from the defendants by failing to address my complaint, I hold all the defendants liable jointly and severally,” he added.
Responding to the allegations, the office of the Attorney General and the county government told the court that they would not call any witnesses to the stand.
In addition, lawyers representing the Nairobi County and Lands Registrar argued that they wrote many letters to relevant departments without feedback.
