By Moses Kamau
President William Ruto’s efforts to reclaim and protect Nairobi River riparian land are now facing serious obstacles after allegations emerged that some officers attached to the Nairobi Rivers Commission were bribed by wealthy cartels from Parklands and Westlands.
The allegations emerged shortly after the commission conducted a reconnaissance exercise along Kibagare River in Parklands, where several structures located on riparian land were identified.
Sources familiar with the exercise claim that influential businessmen and property owners allegedly moved quickly to compromise some officers involved in the operation in a bid to protect buildings and properties said to be illegally developed on riparian land.
President Ruto had formed the commission and assigned it the responsibility of restoring Nairobi rivers, reclaiming riparian land, and enforcing environmental regulations. However, the alleged bribery claims now threaten to slow down or completely frustrate the mission.
The incident has raised concerns among residents and environmental stakeholders, with questions emerging on whether the commission will remain firm against powerful cartels believed to have occupied sections of riparian land in Parklands and Westlands for years.
The government is yet to issue an official statement regarding the allegations