Auctioneer behind Westlands eviction fails to appear in court

Auctioneer behind Westlands eviction fails to appear in court

Niraj Shah and Avani Shah's house demolished in Westlands.

Auctioneer Zachary Baraza, who is at the centre of the illegal demolition of a house belonging to an Asian family in Westlands, on Thursday failed to appear in court as directed last week.

Through his lawyers, the court was told that Baraza is sick, with documentation being provided to prove so.

Meanwhile, lawyers representing the auctioneer led by Ndegwa Njiru told the court that it has no powers to hear the case.

In a preliminary objection, lawyer Njiru said that the court lacked jurisdiction, adding that calling for the file from another judicial officer was unconstitutional.

The National Association of Kenya Auctioneers also asked the court to suspend its earlier decision that found Baraza in contempt of court.

The association said that the auctioneers met and felt that they should have a say in the matter to assist the court to arrive at a just decision.

"We filed an application under certificate of urgency asking this court to stay the earlier orders of conviction/review the same to allow the National Association of Auctioneers where Baraza is a member so that the association can participate in this matter," the court was told.

The court will give its ruling on Friday next week.

Baraza was arrested over the violent eviction of Niraj Shah and Avani Shah from their Ksh.80 million house in Westlands area, Nairobi.

He was arraigned in court on November 4 and released on a Ksh.200,000 bail.

Tags:

Westlands Zachary Baraza Auctioneers Asian family Ndegwa Njiru

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