PS Muthoni
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A public health crisis is unfolding at Stima Plaza as a dispute between Nairobi City County and Kenya Power has resulted in the illegal dumping of waste, forcing the power company to suspend office operations.
Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has called for immediate police and National Environmental Authority (Nema) intervention to investigate the incident, citing severe environmental and health risks.
The crisis began when Nairobi County allegedly dumped waste at the entrance of Kenya Power's offices in response to a Sh4.8 billion debt in unpaid wayleave fees.
Simultaneously, the county cut off water supplies to Kenya Power and clamped several company and personal vehicles. Kenya Power retaliated on February 14, 2025, by disconnecting electricity to several county facilities. Governor Johnson Sakaja acknowledges the financial standoff, confirming that Nairobi County also has outstanding electricity bills owed to Kenya Power.
The resulting waste pileup has created an unbearable stench, leading to the shutdown of Kenya Power's offices and prompting employees to work remotely. Muthoni warns of potential outbreaks of waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid, and notes the risk of respiratory issues from inhaling the waste's foul odor. She urges county health officials to clean the area promptly.
The Director of Public Prosecutions has ordered an investigation into the actions of both entities. Deputy DPP Jacinta Nyamosi states that the incident has caused public apprehension and is a matter of legitimate public interest. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has condemned the incident and summoned Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to Parliament to explain the police's inaction.
Wetangula denounces the "wild-waste behavior" as unrepresentative of Kenya and demands an immediate cessation.