- Gachagua said MCAs should understand that elections are long gone and it was time to serve the people.
- The DP said it is not possible to reclaim Nairobi River without the participation and support of all elected leaders.
Image: DPCS
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has scolded MCAs from Nairobi who reportedly snubbed his meeting on reclaiming the Nairobi River.
Speaking at his Karen residence during an engagement with the Nairobi Rivers Commission, he said the demand by the MCAs for a neutral venue was “misguided.”
“When they keep away because of politics, it means they have lost it. Nairobi rivers have nothing to do with politics. When they overflow, they do not choose the part of the political divide they do it,” the DP said.
Nairobi River originates from a network of small rivers and tributaries. It meanders through various neighbourhoods within the city, including the bustling Central Business District, Mathare, Dandora, and Kibera.
The key tributaries such as Ngong River, Mathare River, and Motoine River converge on Nairobi’s eastern outskirts, where they combine to form the larger Athi River.
In his address on Wednesday, Gachagua said MCAs should understand that elections are long gone and it was time to serve the people.
“I would have been very happy if they were here. They would also have said what is needed to be done to make the lives of the people better,” the DP added.
Gachagua said the Office of the Deputy President has the role of coordinating inter-governmental relations.
“When we invite you here, this is your office. All governors in Kenya, whether from Azimio or Kenya Kwanza are frequent visitors to this residence where we discuss the Division of Revenue Bill and emergencies. They must learn from their seniors, the governors, who are always here,” he explained.
Gachagua added that it is not possible to reclaim the Nairobi River without the participation and support of all elected leaders.
“Most of those people who are affected are the people who elected these leaders. We decided to invite them to be taken through the regeneration plan and allow them to ask questions and make contributions,” said.
He expressed gratitude for those who attended the meeting and those who sent apologies for missing.
The Nairobi Rivers Commission has been mandated to examine previous reports and recommendations made to reclaim the Nairobi River and adopt lessons learnt in the new initiative.
It also coordinates activities of various players mandated to engage in the rehabilitation, protection, restoration, beautification and sustainable development of the riverine basin within Nairobi City County.
It further monitors compliance with the laws and regulations governing the environment of the Basin and its catchment areas as well as developing codes of conduct and proposing modalities for enforcement in partnership with the relevant stakeholders.
Rapid urbanisation, combined with a population density of 6,247 people per square kilometre, has placed a strain on existing natural resources, contributing to significant levels of Nairobi River degradation.