President William Ruto has revealed that he personally intervened in the recent dispute between Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and Kenya Power over a controversial garbage dumping incident at Stima Plaza.
Speaking during a church service at Jesus Winner Ministry in Roysambu on Sunday, Ruto confirmed that he called both Governor Sakaja and Kenya Power’s management to caution them against engaging in retaliatory actions. The Head of State emphasized the need for constructive dialogue and cooperation rather than confrontation.
“I want to thank our governor. Recently, they made a mistake. I gave him a call and those others, I called them and told them, ‘Listen, you must end this behavior,'” Ruto stated.
The incident, which saw Nairobi County Government dump garbage outside Kenya Power’s headquarters, was reportedly a reaction to the utility company’s decision to disconnect electricity at City Hall over an alleged unpaid bill. The move sparked controversy and public debate, prompting Ruto’s intervention.
Acknowledging the mistake, Governor Sakaja later issued an apology, a gesture that Ruto commended. “It takes a strong, courageous leader to say, ‘I am sorry.’ Governor, congratulations for apologizing,” Ruto said.
The President emphasized that Nairobi should embody progress and development, urging leaders to foster unity and collaboration to ensure the city’s prosperity. He reiterated the importance of creating a conducive environment for investments and public service delivery.
Sakaja, who was present at the event, received the President’s remarks with humility. Other elected leaders from Nairobi were also in attendance, reinforcing the message of cooperation and good governance.
Ruto’s intervention highlights his commitment to ensuring smooth relations between different arms of government and private entities. His call for dialogue over confrontation signals his administration’s focus on fostering accountability and mutual respect among stakeholders.
The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges in managing a complex metropolis like Nairobi and the need for prudent conflict resolution strategies to maintain order and service delivery. As the city navigates its governance challenges, cooperation between the county government, national government, and service providers remains crucial for sustained development and efficient public service management.
