A routine crackdown on traffic compliance in Nairobi has ignited a firestorm of public outrage after Nairobi County Chief Officer for Citizen Engagement and Customer Service, Geoffrey Mosiria, was filmed forcing pedestrians to collect litter with their bare hands.
The incident, which took place near the Nyayo Stadium Roundabout, saw several pedestrians—including elderly individuals—intercepted by Mosiria’s team for allegedly failing to use the nearby designated footbridge.
The "Choice" That Sparked Controversy
Instead of processing the offenders through standard legal channels, Mosiria’s team reportedly presented them with an ultimatum: face formal arrest and arraignment in court or participate in an immediate roadside clean-up exercise.
In one instance, a man was seen pleading with the official, explaining that he was in a hurry to reach the hospital to visit his wife, who had just given birth.Videos shared widely on social media show the pedestrians, seemingly under duress, removing waste from filthy drainage channels without protective gear such as gloves.
Public Backlash: “Governance or Humiliation?”
The footage has triggered widespread condemnation from Kenyans online, who argue that the official’s methods are both inhumane and legally questionable.
Critics have pointed out several major concerns regarding the operation:
Demanding that citizens handle potentially toxic waste without gloves poses significant public health dangers.Health Risks:
Legal observers argue that Mosiria is overstepping his authority by acting as "arresting officer, judge, and executioner," effectively denying citizens their right to the presumption of innocence and due process.Constitutional Violations:
Mosiria Defends the Strategy
Despite the growing chorus of criticism, Geoffrey Mosiria has defended his actions, framing them as a necessary measure to educate the public and curb pedestrian-related accidents.
He maintains that his frequent presence in different parts of the city is part of his mandate to engage citizens, respond to complaints, and ensure safety infrastructure—like footbridges—is utilized correctly.
The Bigger Picture
This incident adds to a long list of controversial "crackdowns" led by Mosiria, ranging from the forceful removal of street signage's to operations targeting hawkers.While the Nairobi County government faces mounting pressure to manage urban sanitation and traffic flow, the methods used continue to divide public opinion between those demanding stricter enforcement and those calling for human rights-compliant leadership.
However, unlike the county’s improvised clean-up penalties, the NTSA operations involve formal arrests and court fines ranging from Sh500 to Sh5,000.As of now, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has been conducting its own separate, formal crackdown on jaywalking, noting that nearly 38% of all road fatalities in Kenya involve pedestrians.
