A businessman’s house in Kisumu County was demolished over Sh 5.4m rent dispute. Acting city Manager Abala Wanga confirmed the report and said the demolition would pave the way for the construction of the county assembly speaker’s house.
The house, next to Kisumu’s State Lodgeto belonged to Mr Okeyo who is also the chairperson of the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority. He was among senior government officials and politicians given eviction notices for failing to pay rent. Others are Kisumu Senator Fred Outa, former Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo and Mrs Pamela Olang’o, the wife of former county secretary Olang’o Onudi.
Law suit and rent arrears
“Mr Okeyo is a rogue tenant and we are still following him for damages in the law suit and rent arrears. We will hand over the space to assembly that is why we have flattened the house to enable them to build the residence for the speaker. The contractor is to visit the site soon and the building is expected to cost Sh 35m,” said Mr Wanga.
More than 30 county enforcement officers were around as the demolition went on. A bulldozer brought down the gate and fence before tearing the house down. The city manager also hinted that a new county assembly building will be constructed in Milimani Estate, where the governor’s house was to be renovated
Contacted, Mr Okeyo said he is shocked by what the county government “has done to a house I have lived in for more than 15 years”.
“I am shocked by what the government has done to a house I have lived in for more than 15 years. Responsible authority would have had the courtesy to address the issues I highlighted in the letter to the acting city manager acting manager. It is like a dog forgetting that it has an owner,” the businessman said.
