A row is brewing between the County Government of Nyeri and the political leadership in Mathira Constituency over Karindundu dumpsite in Karatina Town that is being used as the main dumping site of garbage from the entire county.
The political leadership led by Mathira MP, Rigathi Gachagua has vehemently opposed the dumpsite, asserting that besides being an eyesore and a health hazard, its existence was demeaning to area leadership and locals.
On Thursday, the Konyu Ward MCA, Eric Wa Mumbi was arrested allegedly at the instigations of the County Government ostensibly because he led members of the public in stopping further dumping of garbage within the area.
The MCA was however, released without any charges being preferred against him or conditions, reportedly after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations officers found allegations against him untenable and unknown in any written law.
“I condemn in the strongest terms possible attempts to intimidate the political leadership in Mathira Constituency by the County Government of Nyeri for standing with residents against its excesses,” said Rigathi through his social media accounts.
Rigathi said the decision to stop the dumping was made by all Mathira MCAs and locals under his leadership and therefore the County Government should not victimize or harass any single leader.
“They should come for me instead of harassing an MCA and for the record, no garbage from the County will be dumped in Mathira,” maintained the outspoken MP.
“I take responsibility for the action taken by residents, stand by it and anyone aggrieved should come for me,” Rigathi continued.
He said the dumping site was illegal as it had not been approved by NEMA and if so, the County Government should produce a license allowing its existence.
In January, the MP issued a two-month ultimatum to the County Government to relocate the dumpsite or face the wrath of residents.
The MP said he had previously engaged Governor Mutahi Kahiga repeatedly over the issue and was assured dumping would stop.
“The assurance has turned out to be a lie as noting has come out of his promises,” Rigathi said.
He reported that the area where the dumpsite is located is a residential area inhabited by hundreds of people who have become exposed to a myriad health hazards including respiratory illnesses as a result the toxic fumes and dirt emanating from the site.
The lawmaker said he would convene a political leadership meeting in the constituency once the Coronavirus pandemic is over to chart the way forward.
“It cannot be that Mathira is so demeaned to the level of receiving garbage instead of better services such as cleanliness, good feeder roads, effective drainage, street lighting and stocking our health facilities with drugs,” said the MP.
By Samuel Waititu
