Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu's stand on the ongoing demolition of buildings on riparian land in Nairobi has taken a new twist after Governor Mike Sonko linked him to some of the land scandals in the city.
Waititu on Sunday opposed the demolitions, saying the move was hurting investors. The county boss instead called for the diversion of the rivers, adding that the building owners should be asked to cater for the costs.
"I personally don't support the demolition of buildings. Let them carry out investigations and if they find out your house is close to the river, then you should be told it is your responsibility to make sure that the river is moved a bit. Otherwise, demolishing houses is not a solution. Honestly speaking, it is such a big loss," said Waititu.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Sonko hit out at Waititu telling him to keep off the city's affairs.
Sonko went further to list some of the land scandals his Kiambu counterpart has been linked to.
According to Sonko's Facebook post, Waititu has been linked to several land scandals in Nairobi.
Some of these scandals as listed by Sonko include:
1. In 2013 Waititu was linked to a land scandal in Umoja II, where the residents accused him of trying to grab the said piece of land. Waititu, however, denied the accusations.
2. In 2014, Waititu was linked to another land scandal where he was accused of conning his uncle, Nicholas Mbugua, Sh25 million in the pretence of aiding him to secure a piece of land worth Sh105 million in Nairobi. According to reports, the land was being sold by National Bank.
3. In 2013, Waititu was taken to court after he was accused of invading a 50-acre piece of land worth Sh1 billion situated off North Road in Embakasi, Nairobi.
4. In 2015, Waititu together with four other people were charged with subdividing over 10 acres of land belonging to Sahihi Housing Ltd. The piece of land was situated at Hurlingham, Nairobi.
5. Sonko has also linked Waititu to a petrol station located at the junction of Mihango and Njiru which is said to be sitting on grabbed land.
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