Nairobi News

HustleNews

Sonko suspends top official who approved shopping mall built on riparian land


The hunt for City Hall officials who irregularly approved structures on riparian claimed its first victim in on Tuesday.

Governor Mike Sonko has suspended John Ojwang’, a top official in the county’s Urban Planning Department, for his role in the approval of buildings on riparian land.

The suspension follows preliminary investigations ordered by Governor Sonko to hold to account county staff responsible for the irregular approvals.

According to a statement sent to newsrooms by the governor’s director of communication Elkana Jacob, it is alleged that Mr Ojwang’ was responsible for granting permission for the construction of South End Mall along Lang’ata Road-Mbagathi Way junction.

South End Mall. PHOTO | COURTESY
South End Mall. PHOTO | COURTESY

He also approved the construction of Gem Suites in Riverside Estate.

The county government however noted that most of the illegal approvals were given in the 1980s and 1990s mainly by staff who have since retired or left City Hall.

“Nairobi City County Government has today suspended John Ojwang, an employee in the Urban Planning Department for his role in the approval of buildings on riparian land,” read in part the statement.

The officer has since been issued with a 14-day notice to show cause why disciplinary action should not be taken against him, including termination of his employment.