Sakaja Apologizes as Nairobi County, KPLC Dispute Escalates
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has expressed regret over an incident where county staff dumped garbage outside Stima Plaza, the headquarters of Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC). The act, which took place during a heated dispute between City Hall and the power utility company, led to widespread public concern over governance and service delivery in the capital.
Sakaja Distances Himself from the Garbage Dumping
Speaking at a press conference at City Hall on Wednesday, February 26, Sakaja clarified that the disposal of garbage at KPLC’s premises was not intentional. He ordered the immediate removal of the garbage trucks that had blocked access to the building and assured the public that disciplinary action would be taken against those responsible.
“It was, of course, unfortunate that one of the trucks tipped garbage. That was not the intention, that is not how Nairobi County operates, and our own issue will be dealt with internally,” Sakaja stated.
The governor further reiterated that the county does not condone such actions and emphasized that Nairobi’s leadership seeks amicable solutions rather than hostile confrontations.
City Hall Restores Water Supply to Stima Plaza
To de-escalate the standoff, Governor Sakaja also directed the immediate restoration of water supply to Stima Plaza. The water connection had reportedly been cut off as part of City Hall’s retaliatory measures against KPLC over outstanding financial disputes.
“The first thing we’ve resolved is that all hostilities end and issues be sorted out amicably. We have given instructions to restore water supply to their premises and to remove the trucks that were blocking access,” Sakaja added.
How Ruto Intervened to Resolve the Standoff
President William Ruto’s administration stepped in to mediate the dispute. Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, acting on behalf of the president, convened a meeting with Governor Sakaja and Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi to find a lasting solution.
During the meeting, both parties agreed to resolve the issues diplomatically, particularly addressing disputes over unpaid electricity bills and wayleave fees.
“We agreed that those commercial disputes are going to be resolved between myself and the Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi,” Sakaja revealed.
A Call for Professional Dispute Resolution
The incident has sparked a broader discussion about how government institutions handle conflicts, with many calling for more professional and strategic dispute resolution mechanisms. While City Hall and KPLC have long had financial disagreements, experts argue that service disruptions and retaliatory actions should not be part of governance.
As the dust settles, Nairobians will be keenly watching how City Hall and KPLC navigate their relationship moving forward. The public remains hopeful that the two entities can collaborate effectively to ensure uninterrupted service delivery in the city.
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Sakaja Apologizes as Nairobi County, KPLC Dispute Escalates