Public Health PS Mary Muthoni/FILEPublic Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has urged the police and the National Environmental Authority (Nema) to expedite investigations into the dumping of waste at Stima Plaza in Nairobi.
Acknowledging the environmental and health risks posed by such solid waste, especially to human beings, Muthoni said stern action should be taken against those involved.
“Poor solid waste management not just in towns but even our homes can lead to a range of public health issues, including increased rates of waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid. We risk that right now, even here,” the PS said during a visit to the site.
While calling on the county health officials to take appropriate measures and ensure it is cleaned, Muthoni said the stench at the particular area if inhaled, can also cause respiratory diseases.
Nairobi City County dumped the garbage at the entrance to the firm’s offices over a pending bill dispute.
In addition to this, the county officials cut water supply to Kenya Power offices, clamped, and towed 10 company vehicles along with personal vehicles belonging to staff and customers.
Explaining how the situation unfolded and led to a tense relationship between the two entities, Governor Johnson Sakaja said Kenya Power owed the county Sh4.8 billion in unpaid wayleave fees while at the same time, Nairobi County had unpaid electricity bills owed to the power entity.
This led to Kenya Power turning off electricity to several county facilities on February 14, 2025.
City Hall furthernty officials cut water supply to Kenya Power offices. Due to the unbearable stench from the dumped waste, Kenya Power employees have been forced to shut down office operations and work remotely as efforts to resolve the standoff continue.
On Wednesday, the Director of Public Prosecutions weighed in the matter ordering an investigation into the actions.
In a letter to the Director of Criminal Investigations dated February 26, Deputy DPP Jacinta Nyamosi said the occurrence has caused apprehension among the public and is therefore, a matter of legitimate public interest.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has also ordered the summoning of the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to Parliament to shed light on the issue.
Wetangula directed Parliamentary Committee Chairperson Gabriel Koshal Tongoyo to summon IG after MPs condemned the actions. The Speaker faulted the police boss for remaining coy on the issue.
“Ole Tongoyo, we shall not allow this country to be reduced to a wild-waste behaviour where you disagree with somebody and you send goons and hooligans to go and sort out your mess. That is not Kenya, and you must stop it. I direct you to summon the IG to find out why no action has been taken against this publicized criminal behaviour,” said Wetangula.
“There are criminal offences committed under the Environmental Law, Health Act, Penal Code and several other acts of Parliament.”
