Ruto Narrates Phone Call That Made Sakaja Apologise Over KPLC-Garbage Row
The President revealed that he promptly called both parties, including Governor Sakaja, and instructed them to resolve the standoff immediately.
Marvin Chege 
President William Ruto praised Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja for how he responded to the dispute between the Nairobi County Government and Kenya Power after their phone conversation on the issue.
While speaking at a church service in Roysambu on Sunday, March 2, Ruto commended Sakaja for his strength and courage, highlighting his willingness to apologize for dumping garbage outside Stima Plaza as a retaliatory move.
"I want to thank Governor Sakaja. Recently, they made a mistake. I called this Governor and also called the others and told them they had to stop this thing. I'm grateful the Governor apologised because a mistake was made, and it takes a courageous, strong leader to say 'I'm sorry,'" Ruto stated.
A photo collage of a garbage heap and trucks from Nairobi County government outside Stima Plaza in Nairobi on February 24, 2025. /SCREENGRAB.X
"Governor, congratulations on apologising. We must now pick up from there and move forward together as a city to build a strong city and a strong nation."
Ruto expressed his support for Governor Sakaja's efforts to clean up Nairobi and transform it into a symbol of Kenya's development. He also assured his willingness to collaborate with leaders at all levels, from Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) to the Governor, to achieve this goal.
On Wednesday, February 26, Sakaja apologised to Kenya Power over the dumping of garbage outside its offices at Stima Plaza, describing the incident as "unfortunate" and vowed to handle the matter internally.
"It is unfortunate that one of the trucks tipped garbage, which is why it was collected in less than 30 minutes. That was not the intention. That matter will be dealt with internally," he added.
His comments came after a tense 48 hours in the city, during which Nairobi County stirred controversy by dispatching two garbage trucks to Stima Plaza.
While condemning the move, Sakaja insisted that the county government had the right to act against Kenya Power. He argued that, just as Kenya Power cuts off electricity for unpaid bills, the county also has legal avenues to enforce its claims.
"There has been a long-standing issue with payments, which used to be settled in the past. In the same way Kenya Power cuts power when there is non-payment, the county government also has remedies provided by law. Some of these actions include withdrawing county services and clamping buildings," Sakaja explained, citing the recently enacted Nairobi Rating Act.
The county government has demanded Ksh4.9 billion from Kenya Power, while KPLC had counterclaims totalling Ksh3 billion.
The standoff drew the attention of the National Assembly Committee on Energy, prompting its intervention. On Wednesday, the committee requested a response from CS Wandayi regarding efforts to resolve the dispute, which escalated when Nairobi County dumped waste at the entrance of KPLC’s headquarters and cut off water supply to its buildings.
Head of Public Service Felix Koskei during a meeting with Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja and other officials on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. /FELIX KOSKEI
