Geoffrey Mosiria has once again found himself at the centre of criticism in Nairobi after videos showing him ordering pedestrians to collect garbage near Nyayo Stadium sparked public anger.
The Nairobi County Chief Officer for Citizen Engagement and Customer Service was seen stopping people who were trying to get to work and directing them to pick waste from roadsides and drainage areas using their bare hands, with no gloves or protective equipment provided.
The scenes have raised questions among many Nairobi residents about the limits of his authority and the way public enforcement is being handled. One man seen in the videos refused to comply and challenged Mosiria to arrest him instead, while other pedestrians, including elderly people, appeared to follow the instructions as cameras captured the incident.
The main concern from critics is not about keeping Nairobi clean, but about the methods being used. They argue that forcing people to handle dirty waste without any form of protection exposes them to possible health risks, especially because drainage areas can contain harmful materials, sharp objects, and other forms of waste that require proper handling.
Mosiria’s official role is focused on citizen engagement and customer service. Critics have questioned whether his position gives him the power to stop pedestrians and impose such actions without a clear legal process. They argue that matters involving traffic offences or public order should be handled by officers with the proper mandate, following established procedures.
The incident has also renewed debate about Mosiria’s approach to public service. Over time, he has gained attention for public interventions that are often recorded and shared online. Supporters view the approach as a strong way of addressing Nairobi’s challenges, while critics believe some of his actions appear more focused on creating viral moments than providing long-term solutions.
Nairobi continues to face major challenges involving garbage disposal, illegal dumping, and road safety. Many residents agree that these issues require urgent action, but they also expect solutions that respect people’s rights and dignity. They argue that public awareness campaigns, proper enforcement, and organised clean-up programmes would be more effective than stopping individuals on the streets and making them clean waste without protection.
The road safety issue around areas such as Nyayo Stadium remains a serious concern, with pedestrians often risking their lives by crossing busy roads instead of using footbridges. However, critics say the response should involve lawful enforcement through relevant authorities rather than punishments created at the scene.
The latest incident has added to previous debates surrounding Mosiria’s style of public engagement, with some praising his visibility while others accusing him of using aggressive tactics.
The growing criticism reflects a wider discussion about how public officials should balance enforcement, accountability, and respect for citizens.
