Affected by demolitions? Kenya Police sets up special desk

The Kenya Police Service has set up a special desk to serve those who have been affected by the ongoing demolitions together with those whose property has been marked for destruction.

In a statement sent to newsrooms, Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet said anyone whose land is on riparian land and claims to have approval documents, needs to visit the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) headquarters and present all the relevant documents.

“All the proprietors/shareholders of the buildings or structures that have been earmarked for demolition are directed to present all the approval documents granted to them by the relevant government agencies before the commencement of the construction of the said building or structure,” reads the statement.

Mr. Boinnet said the setting up of the special desk was necessitated by the number of people claiming to have approvals from relevant government agencies before the construction of their buildings.

At the same time, those with buildings they suspect are on riparian land but not marked for demolition, should also present their relevant paperwork.

“Equally, proprietors of buildings that have not been marked for demolition and are of the opinion that their buildings and or structures are built on the riparian land should present their approved documents and land titles to the desk at DCI Hqs for verification,” said Boinnet.

This week has seen property worth billions of shillings reduced to rubble in Nairobi as the government moves to reclaim riparian land.

South End Mall, Ukay Mall, a Shell Petrol station and a Java restaurant have been demolished for being on riparian land with the promise of more multi-million shilling buildings will come down soon.

The latest move by the police follows a presidential directive issued on Thursday where President Uhuru Kenyatta said those who approved the construction of buildings in riparian land will also be arrested.