Govt faces criticism over Nairobi demolitions

Kenyans online have slammed the government over the demolition of structures built either on road reserves or riparian land, saying it is skewed.

The sharp reactions follow the Saturday demolition of Airgate Centre, formerly known as Taj Mall, in Embakasi after the Nairobi Regeneration Committee said it is hindering road expansion. Airgate is situated along Outer Ring Road.

Kenya Pipeline Corporation Managing Director Joe Sang endorsed the demolition, claiming that the building was sitting on top of a pipeline network.

Thus, Mr Sang said, it was a threat not only to tenants but also to residents living close by.

He said the affected lines are the old Mombasa-Nairobi pipeline (Line 1) and the recently completed Mombasa-Nairobi pipeline (Line 5).

"KPC has already embarked on an exercise to remove all the illegal structures and buildings across the pipeline network. We hereby urge all the persons who have erected illegal structures or settled illegally on our right of way to move out with immediate effect in the interest of safety and security of fuel supply for the country and the region," he said on Saturday though a press statement.

UNFAIR

Facebook user Michael Mwendwa wrote: "The building was approved, constructed and [has] been in operation for long. A major road had to be diverted because the building was on the way, that would have been the most ideal time to demolish it.

"From Ngara to town you will realise that Kahama hotel has interfered with the road. The white colonialists were better than the current ones."

And Dr Michael Odero, through his Twitter handle @oderomichael, said: "So apparently it'll take Saany 4 weeks to completely takedown Taj/Airgate Mall. Knowing the cost to hire and run such heavy equipment, my question is, who owns Saany? Who has landed this tender from NEMA? In the global practice of demolitions, is this justifiable?’

Additionally, Ory Okolloh Mwangi (@kenyanpundi) wrote: "We overpaid for the road. We will pay for the losses caused by s*** approvals. We will pay to fix the road redesign."

The owner, Mr Rameshchandra Govino Gorasia, has filed a complaint at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, insisting that the building was not illegal.

Mr Gorasia wants the government agencies who approved the construction to be held accountable.