The commission inquiring into the sale of grand regency hotel was today told that the sale was procedural and followed all legal requirements.
The commissioner of lands Zablon Abeya told the Commission that Grand Regency hotel was sold on 24th June at 1.8 billion shillings after his office had acquired the required clearance documents which included valuation from a government valuer.
The commission led by retired judge Majid Cockar which is inquiring into the controversial sale of the today began its public sittings with Abeya taking to the witness stand after businessman Kamlesh Pattni failed to appear as the first witness.
Abeya told the commission his involvement with the sale began after he received a letter through Adan and Wetangula advocates from the Governor of Central Bank Njuguna Ndung'u asking him to expedite and consent to the transfer of the hotel with details that the transaction involved two governments, namely Kenya and Libya.
The letter further said that the bank was exercising its statutory duties.
It also emerged that the Attorney General Amos Wako was not involved in the transaction but lands permanent secretary Dorothy Angote endorsed the sale.
Abeya will continue with his testimony when proceedings resume on Tuesday.
The controversy over the sale of the five star hotel emerged after parliament questioned the sale to the Libyan government and the involvement of former Finance minister Amos Kimunya.
Kimunya has since stepped aside to pave way for investigations following a motion of no confidence in Parliament.
