On Thursday, May 25, President William Ruto seconded Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldier, Brigadier Joseph Muracia, to the Nairobi Rivers Commission.
During a meeting chaired by his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua, Brigadier Muracia was presented as the commission's Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Before his promotion as CEO of Nairobi River, Muracio served in the disciplined forces holding different positions.
He was promoted in 2021 by former President Uhuru Kenyatta and appointed Commander of the Heavy Construction Brigade.
Following the selection of Muracio, Gachagua announced that four counties neighbouring Nairobi had been co-opted in the commission. Gachagua stated that Kajiado, Kiambu, Machakos and Makueni would henceforth be part of the commission whose objective is to restore the city's rivers and surroundings.
"We have co-opted the counties because the rivers under the commission have a direct impact on the people in the counties. We will bring all of them on board," Gachagua stated.
Explaining the agenda, Gachagua indicated that the decisions made by the commission would directly impact residents in the neighbouring four counties.
To expedite its mandate, the commission formed six sub-committees to address the different strategic areas and ensure the faster realisation of its objectives.
They include the committee on Catchment Protection, Riparian and Wetland Protection and Reclamation along the Nairobi River Basin, Waste to the Rivers and Clearance of Clog Waste and Dumpsites.
Governors Johnson Sakaja (Nairobi), Joseph ole Lenku (Kajiado) and Wavinya Ndeti (Machakos) attended the meeting while the others sent representatives.
Wavinya welcomed the decision arguing that it was key to addressing the problem in Machakos County.
"This is a noble cause. We support the cleaning of the rivers 101 per cent. We have to get it right this time around. Whatever is required of us we will do," Wavinya stated.
Meanwhile, the appointment of former Kiambu governor, Ferdinand Waititu, to the Nairobi Rivers Commission was suspended pending the hearing and determination of a petition seeking to bar him from assuming office.
Justice Hedwig Ongudi further barred Waititu from being appointed to any other state or public office in the case filed by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and Transparency International Kenya. The two organisations argued that Waititu was impeached as Kiambu governor in January 2020 and should not hold any state office.
"A conservatory order is hereby issued staying the appointment of the 1st respondent (Waititu) as a commissioner of the 4th respondent (Nairobi Rivers Commission) and / or appointment to any other state or public office pending the hearing and determination of this petition," the court order read.
