Nairobi-based Weston Hotel which is reportedly owned by Deputy President William Ruto has yet again been caught in another scandal.
The hotel hit headlines recently after the County Government of Nairobi warned that it would continue with demolition of structures built on riparian land.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) later put Weston Hotel on spot, saying it encroached on a piece of land belonging to the Authority. This sparked angry reactions on Twitter, with Kenyans calling for its demolition.
In Mombasa, it has been revealed that Weston Hotel applied for an extension and alteration of Dolphin Hotel.
The upcoming multi-billion property is allegedly encroaching on the beach along the Indian Ocean in Shanzu.
Dolphin Hotel hit headlines following an alleged assault and detainment of veteran journalist Kareem Rajan and Laban Walloga of Nation Media Group on August 16.
The two who are cameraman and photographer respectively were reportedly arrested in Shanzu as they were on an official duty recording the encroachment and construction of the hotel along the beach.
"HAKI Africa wishes to categorically state that there is no private beach in Kenya. We demand for the immediate, unconditional release of the two and subsequent arrest of those behind the journalists' ordeal," Haki Africa Executive Director, Hussein Khalid who is following up the matter ordered.
The revelation of the Weston Hotel's application came after the National Environment Management Authority (Nema) records on its website showed the proposed extension was also approved by the environment body under application number NEMA/EIA/PSR/6347 while the National Construction Authority (NCA) also allowed the construction of the hotel under registration number 301031560016.
Reports indicated that two police officers who assaulted the two journalists were prison warders that have been manning the construction site day and night.
The County Government of Mombasa led by Land CeC Edward Nyale, Nema and Haki Africa and Muhuri rights group toured the construction site on Friday where they condemned the encroachment.
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