Companies

Muthaiga building owner in court to halt demolitions

demo

Gemini Properties Limited and Scorpion Properties Limited claim that the Mike Sonko-led administration issued them with a notice that lapses on August 16 and is apprehensive that their buildings could be demolished. FILE PHOTO | NMG

Two companies associated with Nairobi businessman Rahim Chatur have moved to the High Court seeking protection against alleged threat by Nairobi City County, which they say has given notice over alleged lack of building approvals.

Gemini Properties Limited and Scorpion Properties Limited claim that the Mike Sonko-led administration issued them with a notice that lapses on August 16 and is apprehensive that their buildings could be demolished.

Gemini Properties Limited, which owns New Muthaiga Estate building, says that it was given seven days to provide approved plans, occupation plans and in absence to vacate the building for demolitions.

The new application for “an order prohibiting the respondents from making any demolitions” come even as the bid to demolish alleged illegal structures in Nairobi gathers pace.

The two firms have filed the case separately but both applications are supported by an affidavit sworn by Mr Chatur.

ALSO READ: Ukay mall demolished in Nema crackdown- PHOTOS

The firms claim they forwarded the approvals and user certificates but are yet to receive any formal response from the county government.

Gemini Properties Limited says it first obtained certificate of occupation in 1984 and 2002, and certificate of change of user from residential to commercial building in 2007.

The firm further notes that the defunct City Council of Nairobi approved the building plan in 2009.

Scorpion Properties, in whose name a property in Gigiri has been registered, claims that it had received necessary building approvals, noting that it has not been afforded chance to be heard before the decision declaring their buildings illegal was reached.

Further, the firms claim that some of their tenants are planning to vacate the properties, noting that it will cause damages since they used bank loans to put up the buildings.

ALSO READ: BWIRE: Kenya’s bigger goals in secure riparian land