The county Government of Kirinyaga has launched a major crackdown against owners of buildings discharging sewage into rivers Thiba and Nyamindi.

The crackdown which began on Tuesday saw four owners of residential and commercial buildings nabbed for directing their sewer lines into river Thiba. 

The four are set to appear in charged with violating the Public Health Act. 

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

Governor Anne Waiguru warned owners of buildings against disposing their untreated effluent into the rivers.

The 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. 

“It is very unfortunate that we still have people who drain the untreated effluent into rivers contrary to environmental regulations. We cannot afford to misuse our little resources, especially during this drought,” said the NEMA Director.

Speaking during the start of the crackdown along river Thiba at Kutus town, Chief Officer for Water and Irrigation Services Peter Murimi asked residents to take care of the rivers so as to protect their lives as they depend on the water for use and irrigation.

“What we are asking the people is that they be cautious and take care of our rivers. Build sewers tanks and stop channelling your drainage waste into the rivers,” said Murimi.

He asked those who are still draining their sewer into the river to be considerate to other people who use the water for domestic use especially downstream.