Nairobi County experienced chaos after a group of hired goons disrupted Environment CEC Geoffrey Mosiria’s plans to shut down an illegal dumping site. The incident, which took place in one of the city’s informal settlements, highlighted the ongoing struggle between environmental officials and those benefiting from illegal waste disposal.
According to eyewitnesses, Mosiria had arrived at the site with county enforcement officers to oversee its closure when a rowdy group stormed the area, chanting slogans and demanding that the dumping continue. The situation quickly escalated, with the hired goons confronting county officers and forcing them to retreat.
The illegal dumpsite, which has been a source of environmental and health concerns for nearby residents, was earmarked for closure due to its hazardous conditions. Residents had complained about the foul smell, pollution, and risks of disease outbreaks linked to the site’s poor waste management.
Following the attack, Mosiria condemned the disruption, vowing that the county government would not be intimidated. He emphasized that efforts to keep Nairobi clean and ensure proper waste management would continue despite opposition from individuals profiting from illegal dumping.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has also been vocal about eliminating illegal dumpsites in the city, promising to implement sustainable waste management policies. However, such initiatives often face resistance from cartels and individuals who benefit financially from unauthorized waste disposal.
Authorities have launched investigations to identify those behind the disruption and ensure that the dumping site is permanently shut down. Residents, meanwhile, have urged the county government to enhance security for officials enforcing environmental policies to prevent similar incidents in the future.
