A dispute is unfolding between Mombasa Speaker Aharub Khatri
and Jomvu MP Badi Twalib over the demolition of a structure in Tudor believed
to be owned by the MP’s daughter, Aziza Badi.
The demolished structure, which was under construction as a food outlet, was reportedly taken down by Mombasa county officials on claims that it encroached on a road reserve and blocked access to other nearby premises.
Speaker Khatri said the structure had affected access to five businesses and termed the action as necessary to uphold public interest.
However, MP Twalib defended the development, stating that due process was followed and that the Mombasa county government had issued a Temporary Occupation License (TOL) for the space in 2023.
“My daughter has a right to do business. Being related to an elected official should not disqualify her from that right,” Twalib said.
Businesswoman Lydia Ndede, whose premise is adjacent to the site, claimed the structure had obstructed her operations. She said she sought legal redress and expressed concern over the allocation of business spaces.
“Why would someone be allowed to establish a structure in front of another existing premise?” she asked.
She also alleged that the development had been politically influenced, a claim denied by Twalib.
The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) had reportedly marked the area for demolition, citing its location on a road reserve.
On Friday, Speaker Khatri and Tudor MCA Samir Bhaloo publicly addressed the issue, expressing concern about the impact of the development on small business owners in the area.
“This is about protecting the rights of all residents to operate fairly,” Khatri said. “Leadership should be about equity, not privilege.”
He said he became aware of the matter through social media posts by Ndede and felt compelled to act after confirming the situation.
“We must ensure everyone, regardless of background or status, gets justice,” he added.
MCA Bhaloo said all residents have a right to do business and that any permits issued should not infringe on the rights of others.
He claimed that while a TOL had been issued, it was for a different plot—Plot 141—and not Plot 135, which he said is occupied by Ndede.
“We cannot allow a situation where influence overrides regulations. Permits must be respected, but so must boundaries,” Bhaloo said.
He called on county enforcement officers to act impartially and warned against political interference in land matters.
Meanwhile, MP Twalib, through his representative Dickson Okoth, reported the demolition at Makupa Police Station, maintaining that the space had been allocated to him legally by the county.
“Yes, it is a road reserve, but I applied for its use and was granted a TOL. What happened was unjustified,” he said.
Twalib also alleged that the matter was being politicized and said he would pursue legal action over the demolition, which he claimed caused damage worth Sh1.5 million.
“I will move to court against those responsible for the demolition,” he said, insisting that the matter should be addressed through the legal process rather than politicized platforms.
