CS Murkomen says several arrested over dumping of waste at Kenya Power offices

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen says investigations into the incident will continue, and a comprehensive report will be submitted to Parliament, warning that those found culpable will face the full force of the law.

"There is a consensus in the country that that was the most primitive thing anyone can do. The county government of Nairobi has the responsibility to keep Kenyans safe. They also have a very important responsibility for public health. That was totally uncouth. It's uncalled for," Murkomen stated.

Murkomen has confirmed that several arrests have been made.

"There was a report that was made from KPLC. That report led to the arrest of several officers for questioning, and some of the lorries were detained. Perhaps that information was not in Parliament by the time there was a debate yesterday," he stated.

His tough talk comes even as officials from Nairobi County held their ground amid the controversy surrounding the garbage fiasco—a position supported by a section of senators.

Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni toured Stima Plaza early Thursday and demanded an immediate cleanup of the area to avert a health crisis.

"When we talk about solid waste management, which can lead to a range of public health issues and an increased risk of waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid, we risk that right now even here," Muthoni warned.

The standoff escalated on Monday after Nairobi County dumped garbage at Kenya Power’s doorstep as an expression of frustration over unpaid wayleave charges amounting to Ksh.4.8 billion owed to them by the lighting company. Kenya Power, on the other hand, disconnected power to some city offices over unpaid electricity bills totalling Ksh.3 billion.

Kenya Power CEO Dr. Joseph Siror maintained that the company operates within the confines of the law.

"KPLC has always upheld the rule of law. We have used all mechanisms, and we have never sunk to means that can cause serious harm to the public," said Siror.

However, the Council of Governors refuted Siror’s remarks, accusing the company of wielding unchecked powers in its dealings with counties.

In a statement to newsrooms, CoG accused KPLC of historical power disconnections to critical county institutions such as hospitals, water installations, and sewerage services, disrupting operations and endangering the lives of Kenyans.

The governors further accused KPLC of the selective application of authority and playing victim when it was their turn to be accountable for the billions of shillings they owed counties.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has ordered the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to launch an inquiry into the alleged illegal dumping of waste and submit the file within the next seven days.

Murkomen reiterated the government's stance, stating, "The government cannot act like a criminal gang and expect its citizens to obey the law. That should never happen, and we regret that it happened. We will act to whatever level to ensure that the persons who planned and executed this are taken to court."