This archive report was first published on 20 August 2019.
On August 20, 2019, a multi-agency team launched a crackdown on polluters of Nairobi River, with Governor Mike Sonko and Nairobi Water Company MD Nahashon Muguna at the top of the list.
According to NEMA, the team will target the managers of institutions responsible for the pollution, including Governor Sonko's office.
NEMA has summoned Muguna to present himself at their offices in Nairobi to avoid arrest and charges.
On Monday morning, Muguna narrowly escaped arrest after being tipped off by NEMA enforcement officers that he was to be arrested for failing to comply with an order to repair sewer lines in the city.
The pollution of Nairobi River and its tributaries, including Ruiru, Kamiti, Kasarani, Karura, Gitathuru, and Mathare rivers, has been a major concern.
NEMA's acting Director-General Mamo B. Mamo led a team to the water company's offices to arrest Muguna, but he escaped, leaving his phone switched off.
As part of the crackdown, NEMA has identified 122 discharge points that have been releasing raw sewer into the river.
"Our officers have established that there are 122 discharge points that have been discharging the raw sewer into the river. So to address these challenges we must cure the root cause. We have summoned him, and made it clear that we are going to arrest him and have him charged with polluting the river," B Mamo said.
