Taj Mall owner Ramesh Gorasia speaks out over demolition

Taj Mall owner Ramesh Gorasia has condemned the demolition of his building saying those who approved construction must be investigated.

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According to Gorasia, he got approvals for construction of Taj Mall in 1995 and has renewed them seven times since then.

“They gave approvals based on the title deed which was genuine and the land rates which were all paid,” he said.

He went on to show journalists the documents that he said are proof that he followed the right procedures before constructing Taj Mall.

Gorasia maintained that he is not at fault and insisted that the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) probe county officials who approved the construction.

“All I will say is that it is wrong to demolish this mall that people purportedly say was built on a road reserve,” he told journalists.

Gorasia further noted that he also has the title deed for the land that Taj Mall was built.

He said it is part of the documents that Nairobi City Council (now known as Nairobi City County) officials used to grant him approvals.

Four weeks ago, the Taj Mall owner dared the government to demolish his building saying he would stay put.