PS Muthoni Urges Immediate Action on Illegal Waste Dumping at Kenya Power Headquarters

A public health crisis at Stima Plaza has arisen due to illegal waste dumping by Nairobi County in a dispute with Kenya Power over unpaid wayleave fees. Public Health PS Mary Muthoni has called for immediate police and NEMA intervention as the situation poses serious health risks. Kenya Power has closed its offices due to the foul odor, while investigations have been ordered into the actions of both parties involved.

A public health emergency is escalating at Stima Plaza, where a conflict between Nairobi City County and Kenya Power has led to unlawful waste dumping, consequently halting Kenya Power’s office operations. Principal Secretary for Public Health, Mary Muthoni, has urgently called for swift police and National Environmental Authority (NEMA) involvement to address the serious health and environmental hazards posed by this incident.

The dispute erupted after Nairobi County allegedly deposited waste outside Kenya Power’s headquarters in retaliation for unpaid wayleave fees, amounting to Sh4.8 billion. Additionally, the county has ceased water supplies to Kenya Power and has impounded several vehicles belonging to both the company and its employees. In response, on February 14, 2025, Kenya Power disconnected electricity to multiple county facilities. Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja acknowledged this financial impasse, revealing that the county also owes substantial electricity bills to Kenya Power.

The waste accumulation has generated an unbearable odor, prompting the closure of Kenya Power offices and forcing employees to operate remotely. Ms. Muthoni has raised alarms about the possible outbreak of waterborne diseases, including cholera and typhoid, as well as the respiratory problems arising from the noxious smell. She has called on county health officials to promptly rectify the situation by clearing the waste.

In light of public concern, the Director of Public Prosecutions has initiated an inquiry into the actions of both parties involved. Deputy DPP Jacinta Nyamosi emphasized that the situation has raised significant public anxiety and merits investigation. Furthermore, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula condemned the actions taken, and has summoned Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, to Parliament to account for the police’s lack of action.

Mr. Wetangula condemned the incident, describing the “wild-waste behavior” as not representative of Kenya and has insisted on an immediate halt to such actions.

In summary, the unlawful waste dumping at Stima Plaza highlights significant issues surrounding financial disputes between Nairobi County and Kenya Power, posing substantial health risks to the public. Principal Secretary Muthoni’s call for immediate intervention from police and NEMA underscores the urgency of addressing this crisis. The investigation launched by the Director of Public Prosecutions and condemnation from National Assembly Speaker Wetangula reflects the seriousness of the situation, necessitating prompt resolution.

Original Source: mwakilishi.com