Governor Mike Sonko has called on the National Government to cooperate with the county government in fighting graft cartels.
He said the cartels have deep-rooted networks in both the County and National Governments.
The Governor told President Uhuru Kenyatta that cartels in the land sector have been enjoying protection from both governments and that efforts to fight them have been politicized.
Sonko, who made reference to the longstanding land tussle in Mukuru slum, added that cartels in the sector have found ways of manipulating the Judiciary to get favorable decisions.
“We are working round the clock to fight these cartels especially at the lands department,” Sonko said.
The governor defended his decision to suspend key officers in the department following the death of eight pupils at Precious Talent Academy in Dagoreti.
On the Mukuru Kwa Njenga slum land issue, the Governor urged the President to follow up on the implementation of a presidential order he made back in January 2015, which declared the land is public and specifically for squatters.
“You directed that the land be given to the squatters after Parliament adopted a report on the same back in July 1997,” Sonko added.
He said despite numerous directives from State House, the businessman claiming the piece of land has been getting questionable court rulings in his favor.
The latest ruling demanded that he be paid Sh18 billion after a similar ruling that he be paid Sh6 billion.
The Governor revealed that together with former Attorney General Githu Muigai, they made a successful petition in the Court of Appeal which quashed the decision for any compensation.
Despite this, the residents are still being told to part with money if they want access to the land.
Early this year, Sonko appealed to philanthropist Manu Chandaria to surrender ownership of the disputed land.
The land tussle has left over 100,000 slum dwellers homeless.
Sonko said only Uhuru can help.
The governor spoke in Nairobi’s Imara Daima Estate during the launch of the JKIA – Westlands Express Way road.
The new road will ease traffic on the busy Mombasa Road for thousands of road users traveling in and out of the airport.
President Uhuru hailed the project, noting that the government is determined to ensure the transport sector in the capital city is given a major face-lift.
The president called on leaders to focus on development and stop endless politicking.
Last week, Governor Sonko revealed that the National Government and the County are working on plans to launch five major light rail projects that will see city residents use railway transport to access the city.