Business owners along Kiambu Road and Kilimani are raising alarms over alleged harassment and extortion by a senior Nairobi County official, Boniface Nyamu.
Transferred from the matatu sector, where he was previously accused of misconduct and extortion, Nyamu has now turned his attention toward bar and nightclub owners.
These businesses claim that Nyamu uses his position to solicit bribes in exchange for allowing them to continue operating without interference.
Many bar owners in these areas say that what started as isolated incidents of harassment have now escalated into a widespread issue.
Nyamu is accused of visiting businesses under the pretense of enforcing county regulations but instead demanding payments to avoid further disruption.
This alleged misconduct has been an ongoing issue since Nyamu’s transfer from the matatu sector, where similar accusations of extortion surfaced.
The business community has shared numerous accounts of Nyamu’s alleged unethical behavior, with claims that he regularly boasts about being untouchable.
Members of various business associations and WhatsApp groups have voiced their frustrations, calling for urgent action to be taken.
Behind Nyamu’s alleged actions lies claims of political protection.
Sources within Nairobi County suggest that Deputy Governor Muchiri Njoroge may be shielding Nyamu, which has emboldened his behavior and created an environment of impunity.
Some business owners are now considering petitioning Governor Johnson Sakaja, who ran on a platform of restoring order and dignity in Nairobi, to intervene.
Despite these ongoing complaints, Governor Sakaja has yet to address the allegations publicly.
Nyamu’s transfer from the matatu sector has not quelled his controversial reputation.
Bar and nightclub owners argue that his extortionate practices are negatively impacting their businesses and livelihoods.
The affected owners are now calling for investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), hoping that swift action will be taken to stop the harassment and restore order.
The lack of accountability surrounding Nyamu’s alleged actions is troubling for business owners who feel their operations are being jeopardized.
Many fear that without intervention, this extortion scheme could continue to grow, further eroding the business environment.
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