President Ruto says State House wall encroaching on riparian land to be demolished

Speaking during an address to the Nairobi County Assembly on Thursday, Ruto revealed that a multi-agency team had issued a notice indicating that a section of the State House boundary along the Kirichwa-Kubwa River falls within the protected riparian reserve and must be removed.

He added that the directive requires a 15-metre setback from the high-water mark, a condition he pledged to fully implement.

The President also questioned why people would complain about floods yet reject any decision to revive drainage within the city. 

"If we're not prepared to bear the temporary inconvenience of fixing this city then we must stop pretending that we're serious about changing it," Ruto stated. 

The Head of State noted that the move highlights his administration’s resolve to restore order in the capital, even if it means making difficult decisions that affect key government installations.

President Ruto also cautioned 'Nairobi cartels,' warning that individuals benefiting from illegal connections, dumping, construction, and land occupation would face a crackdown as part of broader reforms aimed at improving the city's functionality.

"There are people who benefit from this dysfunction, there are cartels who profit from disorder, there are interests that thrive in illegal connections, illegal dumping, illegal occupation, illegal construction, and broken systems. We must, as a leadership, confront cartels and brokers and those who wish to benefit unjustly from the people of Kenya," he added. 

His remarks came after a letter by the Nairobi Rivers Commission to State House Comptroller Katoo Ole Metito dated April 7, 2026, which sought access to the protected area to properly demarcate the riparian zone. 

"You will be requested to adjust the wall in compliance with the demarcation notice issued by the Multi-Agency team in compliance with the gazette notice," read part of the notice. 

The announcement comes weeks after the city recorded over 40 fatalities following the heavy downpours that triggered flash floods. 

To mitigate this, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja ordered the demolition of illegal structures along riverbanks and the relocation of individuals occupying riparian land. 

“This is not a one-off exercise. It is a sustained effort to reclaim our rivers and prevent further loss of life and property,” Sakaja stated on March 19, 2026.