In a dramatic turn of events, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has taken decisive action against two senior county officials for their involvement in the infamous garbage dumping incident at Kenya Power’s Stima Plaza offices. This move comes as part of a broader effort to resolve a long-standing dispute between the Nairobi County Government and Kenya Power over unpaid bills and wayleave fees.
Background of the Dispute
The conflict escalated when Kenya Power disconnected electricity supply to several county facilities due to unpaid bills amounting to approximately Ksh.2.9 billion. In retaliation, the county government cut off the water supply to Stima Plaza and blocked access with garbage trucks. The situation took a turn for the worse when one of the trucks tipped over, dumping garbage at the premises.
Sakaja’s Response
Governor Sakaja has been vocal about his disapproval of the actions taken by his staff. He described the dumping as “primitive” and apologized to the public, assuring that such incidents would not recur under his administration. In addition to interdicting two senior officials, Sakaja also ensured that the garbage was quickly cleared and the area fumigated to mitigate health risks.
Legal and Administrative Actions
Three county employees—Augustine Otieno, Moses Gitari, and Alice Okare—were arrested and charged with sabotage, robbery with violence, and illegal waste disposal. The Inspector General of Police directed the Director of Criminal Investigations to probe the matter further.
Resolving the Dispute
Sakaja has committed to resolving commercial disputes, including those with Kenya Power, directly with Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi. This approach aims to address the underlying issues amicably and prevent future escalations. The county government and Kenya Power have agreed to work towards settling outstanding debts and wayleave fees, which include Ksh.4.9 billion owed by Kenya Power to the county.
The swift action taken by Governor Sakaja reflects a commitment to accountability and responsible governance. As Nairobi navigates complex disputes with utility companies, maintaining transparency and resolving issues through dialogue will be crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring the city’s infrastructure operates smoothly.
Key Points:
- Interdiction of Officials: Two senior county officials have been interdicted for their roles in the garbage dumping incident.
- Dispute Background: The conflict arose from unpaid electricity bills and wayleave fees between Nairobi County and Kenya Power.
- Resolution Efforts: Governor Sakaja is working with Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi to resolve disputes amicably.
- Legal Actions: Three employees were arrested and charged over the incident.