Four arrested for discharging sewerage into rivers

Police officers and county health officers at a commercial building in Kutus town whose owner was arrested during the crackdown. [Jane Mugambi, Standard]

Four people were recently arrested for discharging sewage into River Thiba following a crackdown by the Kirinyaga County Health department.

The four owners of residential and commercial buildings who had directed their sewer lines into the river are set to appear in court charged with violating the Public Health Act.

The crackdown was led by a multi-agency team from the County Government, National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the Ministry of Interior and National Coordination.

Health CEC George Karoki said property owners constructing buildings near rivers should ensure that their premises have septic tanks that would eventually connect to the upcoming county sewer system.

"It is very important to understand and note that issues of water pollution will cause very serious damage to our health as well as our environment," said Karoki.

Water and Irrigation Services Chief Officer Peter Murimi said the department would be undertaking a major exercise to clean up Thiba and Nyamindi rivers.

Kirinyaga County Director of NEMA, Ezra Ng'ang'a said that the crackdown will continue and those found on the wrong side will face the law.