The ongoing demolitions of buildings constructed on riparian land in Nairobi city could take a new twist after the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) asked developers whose property has been demolished to sue the government.
The ICJ claims that the multi-agency team leading the exercise has been inhumane and has infringed on the constitutional rights of innocent developers.
In a briefing with journalists in Nairobi on Monday, ICJ chairman Kelvin Mogeni asked owners whose buildings have been demolished in the recent weeks to sue the government for compensation.
He said that the government was not justified to pull down the structures whose owners are innocent and who unknowingly got title deeds from rogue government officers.
The ICJ chairman said that the government should have first arrested and prosecuted government officials who approved construction on riparian land and road reserve.
“We are concerned that the recent demolitions have violated the rights of developers and we urge them (owners) to sue the government and seek compensation,” he said.
Mr Mogeni said that the ICJ is ready to help innocent owners file legal suits against the government.
The ICJ now wants the demolition exercise reviewed and the law strictly followed in demolishing buildings sitting on riparian land.
The multi-agency leading the demolition exercise says that it targets to demolish 4000 buildings to save Nairobi River and other riparian lands.
Two weeks ago, the multi-agency team demolished Ukay centre in Westlands, parts of Oshwal centre and South-end mall on Lang’ata road.
The team now targets to demolish Taj shopping mall as it clears buildings on the riparian land.
Occupants of the mall have been given until August 30 to vacate the building.