Senior Counsel (SC) Ahmednasir Abdullahi is now appealing to President William Ruto to give new life to the Nairobi River Commission.
This commission was launched by the head of state in December 2022 and placed under the Office of the Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Launch of Nairobi River Commission
Pamela Olet was appointed to chair the seven-member commission.
Other appointees to the board were; Grace Senewa, Eva Muhia, Elizabeth Wathuti, Carlota Dal Lago, Elijah Biama, Ferdinand Waititu and Duncan Ojwang.
Almost a year later however, it is yet to kickstart meaningful projects within the country’s capital.
Earlier this month, the commission announced they would begin a cleanup exercise on September 23.
The areas of operation will include; Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado, Machakos and Makueni counties.
However, this is less than their expected progress more than six months after being sworn into office.
What is ailing Nairobi River Commission?
Their woes began with public uproar over former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu’s appointment.
This is because, Waititu is facing grave corruption charges alongside his wife Susan Waititu.
Law Society of Kenya filed a petition in court that saw Waititu’s appointment suspended.
According to SC Abdullahi, Waititu’s appointment was one of the derailing factors in the success of Nairobi River Commission.
“One, the appointment of Baba yao and Commissioners of his ilk was a poignant signal that government probably wasn’t that serious after all,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“This is not Gachagua’s cup of tea”
He further opined that handing over such a commission to DP Gachagua was not a wise move. The lawyer went on to list some of the projects close to the heart of the DP including;
“Scaring azimio, checkmating Hon Raila, grassroot mobilisation in Central Kenya, chasing cartels from the coffee sector etc are some of his pet projects.
“I don’t think Deputy President Gachagua has time for removing plastic bottles and polythene bags from Nairobi River,” the lawyer added.
Nevertheless, SC Abdullahi praised President Ruto for inventing the commission, saying it is well in line with his climate change crusade on the global stage.
“President Ruto needs to urgently reboot the Nairobi River Commission! It’s a great idea…don’t kill it!” Abdullahi pleaded.
