35 suspected cartel leaders arrested in Nairobi

A week-long crackdown in Nairobi has led to th arrested of 35 suspected cartel leaders who may be responsible for continuous water shortages.

The 35 arrested suspects were found to have put up illegal water connections in the city estates.

Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company Managing Director Nahashon Muguna explained that the crackdown was conducted in all 17 sub-counties in Nairobi over the past week.

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko with some Nairobi Water & Sewerage Company officials Pulse Live Kenya

"We will sustain the war on water cartels and those who are diverting piped water for their own personal use.

"We will also disconnect the illegal connections and arrest those responsible," he stated.

Car Wash establishments to be Removed

The Nairobi Water MD also warned those who operate car wash establishments near roads that they will be closed down.

He noted that some have illegal connections that are responsible for water shortage in other areas saying that the crackdown will continue.

“I’m appealing to all Nairobi residents to apply for water connection and avoid using the cartels to get water through diversion which denies other residents the commodity even after paying for the services.

A man pours water into barrels for sale Pulse Live Kenya

"We are determined to identify and individuals behind the water cartels who divert piped water to private water vendors.

"It’s apparent that the water shortage being experienced in many parts of Nairobi is as a result of sabotage by these cartels whose days are now numbered. We will find them,” the MD stated.