Nairobi Chief County Officer Geoffrey Mosiria has broken his silence on the circumstances surrounding his recent demotion from the county’s environment docket. Speaking on Monday, December 1, Mosiria claimed his transfer was the result of constant confrontations with influential people he described as untouchables.
The county official said his strict enforcement of environmental laws and crackdown on unlawful developments rubbed powerful individuals the wrong way, ultimately leading to his removal from the post he held for years.
Mosiria insisted that despite the shift to citizen engagement and customer services, he remains committed to serving Nairobi residents. He described his removal not as a setback but a confirmation that he was doing his job correctly and fearlessly.
Mosiria Demotion Highlights Tensions With Nairobi Power Brokers
Geoffrey Mosiria did not hide his frustration over the circumstances that led to his demotion. He stated that his removal from the environment docket came after a series of confrontations with influential individuals over illegal constructions in the city.
“I indeed trampled on those who are untouchable, I trampled on the untouchables until some of them got irritated by me, but I do not fear man, I only fear God, who is powerful,” Mosiria said.
The official recalled multiple interventions that put him at odds with the city’s elite. Among these were halting construction along rivers and shutting down unlawful establishments. One particular case involved a building owned by a highly influential and wealthy individual, which he said triggered heavy backlash from the people involved.
“Some people were building on the river, and many of them had big clubs that were shouting at the people. We went and stopped them, and before I was taken away, I remember stopping a big club that had not been touched,” he revealed.
Mosiria emphasized that these actions were motivated by public interest and not politics. His decision to enforce the law, even when it involved powerful figures, underscores the risks faced by officials who challenge entrenched city cartels.
Unlawful Constructions and Business Closures
Before his demotion, Mosiria conducted routine inspections that led to the closure of several businesses and private buildings. These closures, he argued, were necessary to protect public spaces and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Mosiria highlighted that some of the businesses he shut down belonged to individuals with strong political and social influence. The confrontations with these untouchables reportedly created significant friction within Nairobi’s political and business circles, ultimately prompting county leadership to consider a reshuffle.
“People thought the office was small, but when I got there, they saw its size and importance. I look at the office in terms of the service that we will offer to the people,” Mosiria said, defending his work ethic and dedication.
Demotion Comes Amid County Reshuffle
Mosiria’s transfer followed a broader reshuffle by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, which saw several senior officials moved to new roles. A notice dated November 18, 2025, formally replaced Mosiria in the environment docket with Hibram Otieno, previously in charge of medical facilities.
Despite the change, Mosiria maintains that his focus remains on delivering results to Nairobi residents. He reassured the public that his new role in citizen engagement and customer services would not diminish his dedication to addressing community concerns.
“Even though I am no longer in the environment office, my work for the people continues. The reshuffle does not deter me,” he said.
Mosiria Stands Firm Against Pressure
Mosiria’s outspoken remarks suggest that his demotion is not merely a routine administrative change. It appears to be the outcome of persistent tensions between law enforcement and Nairobi’s influential elites who resist regulation.
His unwavering stance signals a warning to officials who might compromise public interest under pressure from powerful groups. By calling out untouchables and defending public spaces, Mosiria positions himself as a bold enforcer willing to challenge entrenched networks in Nairobi.
The official concluded by emphasizing that fear of God, not fear of man, guides his actions, signaling that future confrontations with unlawful actors are inevitable. His message to Nairobi residents is clear: service delivery and enforcement will continue, regardless of political pressures or personal career setbacks.
