TUKO.co.ke journalist Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has expressed his regret over the incident involving the dumping of garbage outside Stima Plaza during a heated dispute between the county government and Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC).

Speaking at a press conference at City Hall on Wednesday, February 26, Sakaja explained that the garbage disposal was not intentional and ordered the immediate removal of garbage trucks that had blocked the entrances to the KPLC building.

Governor Sakaja clarified that one of the trucks accidentally tipped its load of garbage outside Stima Plaza, emphasising that this was not planned and that the mess was cleared within less than 30 minutes.

He expressed disappointment over the incident and distanced himself from the actions that led to the dumping. The governor assured the public that internal disciplinary action would be taken against those found responsible for the mishap, stressing that the city administration does not condone such behaviour.

"It was of course unfortunate, that one of the trucks tipped garbage. That was not the intention, that is not how Nairobi County operates, and our own issue will be dealt with internally," Sakaja said.

To further resolve the situation, Sakaja also ordered the immediate restoration of water supply to Stima Plaza, which had been cut off as part of City Hall's retaliation against Kenya Power.

"The first thing we've resolved is that all hostilities end, and issues be sorted out amicably. We have instructions to restore water supply to their (KPLC) premises, and to remove the trucks that were blocking access," Sakaja added.

To resolve the impasse, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, acting on behalf of President William Ruto, convened a meeting involving Sakaja and Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi.

The discussions aimed to find a lasting solution to the dispute, with both parties agreeing to explore amicable ways of addressing the outstanding issues, including the unpaid electricity bill and wayleave fees.

"We agreed that those commercial disputes, are going to be resolved between myself and the Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi," Sakaja said.

The conflict between the Nairobi County Government and the utility company originated from a long-standing issue involving an unpaid electricity bill amounting to KSh 3 billion owed by City Hall.

In response to the power disconnection by KPLC, the county government retaliated by dumping garbage outside Stima Plaza. KPLC employees were forced to work remotely as the garbage created a foul smell and blocked access points to the building.

Again, the county launched a crackdown on what it described as "unauthorised" fibre optic cables mounted on power poles along key roads, accusing the utility company of failing to pay wayleave fees amounting to KSh 4.8 billion.

Source: TUKO.co.ke