A standoff erupted at Stima Plaza on Monday after Nairobi County Government workers dumped garbage at the entrances and clamped vehicles in protest over electricity disconnections at City Hall due to an outstanding bill of KSh 3 billion.
Kenya Power’s General Manager for Commercial Services and Sales, Rosemary Oduor, stated that the power supply was disconnected due to City Hall’s arrears. However, she confirmed that electricity was later restored following negotiations.
The dispute arose after Kenya Power cut electricity at various Nairobi County offices over a KSh 3.1 billion debt. In response, the county government allegedly cut off water supply to Kenya Power offices in Nairobi and blocked their sewer lines.
“This morning, we were carrying out our duties when county government trucks arrived. One of them offloaded garbage right at our main entrance, while others remained stationed around the building,” Oduor explained.
She added that discussions between the power company and Nairobi County over the debt have been ongoing for two years, with the county committing to payment.
“We did not expect this reaction, especially considering that power at City Hall was restored on Friday,” she noted.
The incident sparked reactions from social media users, with some questioning the county’s actions. One user, Ted Malanda, criticised the move and called for intervention from authorities.
“I’m waiting to see what NEMA, the National Police Service, and the Ministry of Environment will say about Kanjo dumping garbage in front of a Kenya Power office. Because technically, someone should be assisting the police with investigations.
“This is inviting anarchy. What if Kenya Power responds by shutting off electricity from the city mortuary? Or the dams that supply Nairobi with water? Or streetlights?” Malanda posed.