Drama as MCAs confront owners of multi-million shilling building over pending demolition orders

There was drama in Juja town, Kiambu County, when members of the Kiambu County Assembly Finance Committee confronted owners of a multi-million commercial building currently under construction. 

Committee chairman Zack Mbugua (who is Kiuu ward representative) and his deputy James Kamau (Kikuyu) were locked in an exchange of words with a woman believed to be one of the proprietors of the building. 

The 15-storey building has a section for a petrol station, supermarket and shops. 

The MCAs said records at the Kiambu County show that approvals were granted for construction of five floors, not 15. 

"We made an impromptu visit to ascertain whether the revenue owed to the County government by the owners of the building had been paid," Kamau told TV47 Digital.

"We were shocked to discover from the sub-county administrator and sub-county planner that leave alone the dues, the building was supposed to have been demolished on October 19 last year."

Kamau alleged that the building was constructed under police guard. 

"The owners should pay the County KSh60 million in taxes...this is accrued from Valuation fees and floor-by-floor inspection."

He expressed concern that the building may be owned by a powerful individual who "cannot be touched." 

"There is a lot of impunity in this country," MCA Mbugua. "There are orders on the demolishment of this building. We will not relent."

The committee members asked Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi to intervene and ensure the law is followed to the letter.

Two months ago, a 6-storey building in Ruiru sub-County collapsed just moments after 200 occupants were safely evacuated.

Before that at least five other people had lost their lives when buildings collapsed in Kirigiti, Kiambu town, and Ruaka area of Kiambaa constituency.