The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has initiated an inquiry into allegations of illegal waste disposal and interference with the sewer system at Kenya Power’s headquarters.
In a directive issued by Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Jacinta Nyamosi, the ODPP instructed public health, environmental, and sanitation agencies to investigate the matter and submit a report within a week.
“Left unchecked, the issue may snowball into a serious health hazard that might have multiple repercussions not only to the area of concern but the capital as a whole,” stated the letter dated February 26, 2025.
The ODPP highlighted growing public concern over the matter, warning that failure to act could escalate the situation into a health crisis. The directive was prompted by recent media reports detailing the alleged dumping, which has raised alarm over potential environmental and health hazards.
Authorities have been tasked with engaging all relevant stakeholders in the investigation, with the findings expected to inform the next steps in resolving the issue.
The dispute traces back to February 14, 2025, when Kenya Power cut off electricity supply to several Nairobi County offices due to an outstanding bill of Sh3 billion. In response, the county government reportedly retaliated by obstructing sewer systems, halting water supply to Kenya Power’s buildings, and dumping garbage outside the utility firm’s headquarters.
On February 26, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja expressed regret over how the matter was handled, particularly criticizing the enforcement officers involved. He acknowledged that county trucks were responsible for offloading garbage at Kenya Power premises and temporarily disrupting water supply.
“It was, of course, unfortunate that one of the trucks tipped garbage. That was not the intention,” he said.
Sakaja assured that services affected by the standoff would be restored and announced that future commercial disputes involving City Hall and Kenya Power would be handled at a higher level.
“We agreed that commercial disputes will be resolved between myself and Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi. The Inter-governmental technical committee will also come in to resolve,” he added.
Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has directed the parliamentary committee on Administration and National Security to summon Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to explain the lack of action against the Nairobi City County Government over the dumping incident.
“We shall not allow this country to be reduced to a state of wild, wasteful behaviour where you disagree with someone, and you send goons and hooligans to sort out your mess. That is not Kenya, and it must stop. I, therefore, direct the Inspector General to establish why no action has been taken against this publicly known criminal behaviour by the Nairobi City County Government,” ruled Wetang’ula.
With investigations now underway, authorities are under pressure to establish accountability and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
