KENYA: The Nairobi County government has exonerated a city MP who had been accused of opposing plans to beautify a bus terminus.
The county government said Starehe MP Maina Kamanda is not responsible for a stalled project to upgrade the Railways bus terminus as alleged by a private company.
Last week, Top Max Media Ltd claimed Mr Kamanda was opposed to the project. Last year, the company entered into a public-private partnership with the county government to beautify the terminus. It was to build benches, stalls, walkways, toilets and install street lighting, among other activities. However, Top Max Media director Paul Warutere claimed trouble began when he rebuffed Kamanda's demand to be given six free stalls for his constituents.
He alleged in court documents that Kamanda hired goons to destroy the company's property two weeks ago. However, the MP dismissed these claims. "Those are mere sideshows to tarnish my name after the deal fell through," he said.
Wednesday, he produced documents as proof that county askaris brought down the structures.
"The county government removed structures which were contrary to the authority issued. The county exercised its mandate and has no reason to drag your name into the matter," read a letter from S G Mwangi, the County Chief Lands Officer.
Planning executive member P T Odongo Wednesday said the approval for the project has been suspended.
