Businessman complains to Kidero

What you need to know:

  • Mr Gaetano Ruffo, the owner of Trattoria, accuses council inspectors of working in cahoots with the management of Town House, where the restaurant is located, in an attempt to evict him.
  • “A few weeks ago, officers from the fire and health departments, without notice, arrived in a group of 15 people, among them a Mr Munyuka and a lawyer  and entered through the back door,” he says.

The proprietor of a leading Nairobi restaurant has written to Governor Evans Kidero, protesting at “constant harassment by county askaris”.

Mr Gaetano Ruffo, the owner of Trattoria, accuses council inspectors of working in cahoots with the management of Town House, where the restaurant is located, in an attempt to evict him.

He claimed that the inspectors and the building’s management were violating a court order to respect the lease, which elapses in 2025.

“We have been under constant harassment by officers from the fire and health departments at the instigation of the owners of the building with whom we have had a long running dispute since 2008,” he says.

THE BACK DOOR

“A few weeks ago, officers from the fire and health departments, without notice, arrived in a group of 15 people, among them a Mr Munyuka and a lawyer  and entered through the back door,” he says.

Dr Kidero confirmed that Mr Ruffo had complied with all the county government regulations.

“I think the problem is between Mr Ruffo and his landlord. He has all the required licences,” he said.

Mr Ruffo also blames some MCAs and a politician for his woes.

Speaking on behalf of the building’s management, a Mr Gerald Maina, denied the accusations, saying they respect the lease agreement.