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

Several people have been arrested, and vehicles impounded following an incident in which Nairobi County officials dumped waste at Stima Plaza, the headquarters of Kenya Power.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen disclosed this during a press briefing on Thursday, February 27, confirming that the arrests were made after Kenya Power lodged a formal complaint with the police. He noted that the suspects were detained for questioning as part of ongoing investigations.

Condemning the incident, Murkomen described the waste-dumping as primitive, uncouth and a severe threat to public health, emphasising the need for accountability.

"The county government has the responsibility of keeping everyone in Nairobi Safe. They also have a responsibility of public health. That was totally uncouth," Murkomen said.

"At the very highest level, there was a report that was made by KPLC. That report led to the arrest of officers from Nairobi for questioning. Some of the lorries have also been detained,” he added.

Murkomen revealed that details about the arrests had not been made public or presented in Parliament during a heated debate on Wednesday.

He assured that his Ministry, in collaboration with the National Police Service, would compile and submit a comprehensive report on the investigation to Parliament for further action.

The waste-dumping incident sparked heated debate in Parliament, with lawmakers demanding accountability and appropriate action.

In the parliamentary session, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, along with other lawmakers, demanded that Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja be summoned to clarify the alleged lack of action by law enforcement.

In response, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula instructed the Committee on Administration and Security to summon the police chief to provide clarity on the matter.

Wetang’ula condemned the incident, stressing the need to uphold the rule of law and prevent the country from descending into disorderly conduct. He criticised the use of unlawful tactics to resolve disputes, warning against the normalization of such behavior.

“We shall not allow this country to be reduced to wild-west behavior where you disagree with somebody and you send goons and hooligans to sort out your mess; that is not Kenya,” he said.

Responding to the incident, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) ordered the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to investigate Nairobi County Government's role in the waste-dumping case.

Deputy DPP Jacinta Nyamosi described the situation as serious and called for urgent legal action. She further instructed relevant public health, environmental, and sanitation agencies to launch investigations and provide a report within seven days.

Nyamosi raised concerns about the health risks associated with the dumped waste, cautioning that if not addressed, it could develop into a significant health crisis impacting both the local area and the broader capital.

The dispute originated from a disagreement between Kenya Power and the Nairobi County Government, which intensified when Kenya Power cut off electricity to several county offices over an outstanding debt of KSh 3 billion.

In apparent retaliation, Nairobi County dumped garbage at Kenya Power's headquarters, leading to public outcry and intervention by authorities.

The move saw Kenya Power employees work from home, citing unfriendly environment as a result of the stench.

Source: TUKO.co.ke