Governor David Nkedianye was today arraigned in court in Nairobi to answer charges of allegedly causing the burning of an incinerator belonging to an investor in the county.
Nkedianye, who appeared in court in person to show cause why he should not be committed to civil jail for disobeying court orders, said he did not order any goons to burn down the facility.
The governor said he only proposed that the company be closed down to allow negotiations between the parties.
He further told justice George Odunga, at the Milimani High Court, that the residents have been complaining over the foul smell it emits and of posing a health hazard.
He testified that he was not aware of any order issued against him in connection with the company associated with University don Professor Phillip Mwabe.
“I didn’t mobilize anybody to burn down the facility,” Nkedianye told Justice Odunga.
The Environment and Commercial Consultancy Company incinerator was established three years ago in Athi near Kitengela town on 50 acre land at a cost of Sh2 billion, according to Mwabe.
The incinerator is the largest private waste management facility in East Africa, but the owner has had issues with Kitengela town residents for several years before he moved it to Stony Athi in Kaputiei North ward.
Three years ago, residents in the area destroyed a fence and accused Mwabe of putting their lives in danger.
Hearing continues.
