Sonko suspended John Ojwang', a staff at the county's Urban Planning Department, for his role in the approval of buildings erected on riparian land.

In a statement sent to newsrooms by the governor's Director of Communications Elkana Jacob, it is alleged that Mr Ojwang' was responsible for approving construction of South End Mall along Lang’ata Road-Mbagathi Way junction and Gem Suites in Riverside Estate.

"Nairobi City County Government has today suspended John Ojwang’, an employee in the Urban Planning Department for his role in the approval of buildings on riparian land. Mr Ojwang' was responsible for the authorisation of the two buildings mentioned above," read part of the statement.

Ojwang has been issued with a 14-day notice to show cause why disciplinary action should not be taken against him, including termination of his employment.

The suspension comes days after Sonko ordered investigations in order to identify county staffs responsible for the irregular approvals.

However, the county government noted that most of the illegal approvals were done in the 1980s and 1990s mainly by staff who have since retired or left City Hall.