Governor Mutua shuts down Walker Industries over pollution

Governor Alfred Mutua (right) with county minister for environment, Naomi Mutie tour Mavoko Sub County during a crackdown on companies polluting River Athi

Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua has closed down Walker Industries, a shoe manufacturing company located in Mavoko Sub County over pollution of the environment.

The governor staged a raid into the factory Tuesday afternoon accompanied by county Minister for Environment, Naomi Mutie and other senior government officers where he confronted the company's top management over rampant emission of effluents into the river and poor operational standards.

The move comes barely a week after the governor issued a closure notice for numerous offenders whom he blamed for rampant environmental degradation with spill-over effects into Machakos County.

Mutua also gave residents who live near the river a 45-day ultimatum to ensure that they disconnect any pipes leading to the river and have proper means of disposing wastes.

“After 45 days, we will have no option but to arrest all the adult residents of these residential compounds polluting Athi River,” he said.

“The protection of the environment is critical in the development - both human and economic - of any nation. Their rights have to be protected and their health assured by governments that care,” he added.