Sexual Exploitation Scandal Hits Nairobi’s City Hall

Nairobi's hawking community is demanding accountability from city authorities amid escalating allegations of corruption, assault, and sexual harassment perpetrated by Nairobi City inspectorate officers, commonly referred to as "kanjos." 

The accusations have triggered an investigation by the Nairobi County Assembly's Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC). The immediate impetus for the probe was the testimony of Jennifer Wanjiru, a Nairobi hawker, who detailed the abuses before the JLAC. Wanjiru's account outlines a pattern of exploitation, with female hawkers routinely subjected to sexual coercion in exchange for the ability to conduct business within the Central Business District (CBD). 

She recounts an instance where an inspectorate officer, known as Brown, repeatedly confiscated her merchandise, demanding compliance or payment of fines at City Hall for its return. The situation culminated in a violent assault in March, Wanjiru testified. She claims that after resisting bribery and sexual advances, inspectorate officers assaulted her, confiscated her goods, and left her with injuries that necessitated medical treatment and a spinal support belt.

Despite her physical condition and financial hardship, stemming from an inability to work, she is seeking justice and the return of her merchandise. Wanjiru's claims are not isolated. Damaris, another hawker, corroborates the allegations, confirming that bribery demands and sexual harassment by inspectorate officers are commonplace. Fearing for her safety, she declined to elaborate further, reinforcing the atmosphere of intimidation that pervades the hawking community.

The accusations come after a reshuffling of the Inspectorate Department five months prior, which saw Tony Kimani, former Chief Officer for Security and Compliance, reassigned to the Customer Care docket, and Eva Wangechi Wairiuko appointed Acting Chief Officer of the Inspectorate. The reshuffle, initiated by Governor Johnson Sakaja, followed previous allegations of abuse within the department.

Despite these changes, concerns persist among county officials. The Director of City Inspectorate, Benjamin Omondi, and Ms. Wairiuko have been summoned before the JLAC but failed to appear, further fueling suspicions of a cover-up. Jared Akama, Mugumo-ini MCA and committee chair, confirmed that investigations are underway following Wanjiru's formal complaint.

The situation is further complicated by the submission of a petition by Nairobi CBD MCA Mwaniki Kwenya, who has echoed similar concerns regarding inspectorate officer abuse. Kwenya has called for the immediate suspension of the department's leadership, accusing them of violating the rights of hawkers who contribute taxes to the county government. He alleged that he was harassed when he intervened during an assault on traders.

Akama has assured affected hawkers that their concerns will be addressed, with department heads scheduled to appear before the County Assembly to respond to the allegations.