Sonko invites DCI, EACC to probe City Hall land cartels

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has invited the DCI among other officials to investigate land cartels in City Hall.
He accused unnamed persons of fraudulently dispossessing and transferring properties belonging to innocent citizens.
Sonko said land owners, mainly of Asian origin, have been losing prime property to the same cartels even before the expiry of their leases.
"These cartels use fake documents, rate demand notices and stolen lease renewal documents to obtain court orders from unsuspecting judges and magistrates," reads part of the letter dated October 4.
"This letter is therefore to invite your good offices to swiftly move with speed and investigate fraud at the rates department at City Hall with immediate effect (sic)," he added.
The letter has been copied to EACC, the Law Society of Kenya, the Chief Justice and the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The Governor claims previous attempts to probe the Lands department have been thwarted by the same cartels who "work in cahoots with some corrupt and unscrupulous City Hall officers".

"Unlike in the part, I wish to assure you of my administration's full cooperation and support that would see you carry thorough, structures, consistent, fair and transparent investigations with a view to bring the suspects to book and face the law," he said.
Sonko also said investigations should be extended to the judiciary, which has allegedly been involved in fraud through forged documents.
He accused cartels of colluding with judiciary staff to use forged documents in illegal property transfers.
Shortly after he was sworn in, Sonko led a sting operation and recovered Sh7 million unbanked cash from City Hall.
Sonko said Nairobi will never be the same again and made promises including ending corruption, handling the garbage menace and protecting small business owners. "I shall work round the clock to guarantee efficient and timely services for all our residents," he said.
"My administration will put in place an elaborate plan to clean up the mess that has been left behind by the outgoing county government while ensuring every resident gets value for their money as taxpayers."