Published on October 1, 2024 by Agencies for Kenya Online News
Last Updated on 2 years by Agencies for Kenya Online News
Top official in the Nairobi County Government Boniface Nyamu, has become the engineer of rampant corruption, extortion and bribery, shaking the foundations of the city’s business and transport sectors.
From his position as Chief Officer of the Business and Hustler Opportunities docket, Nyamu has created and expanded a corruption ring, leaving bar owners and matatu operators fighting for survival as they lick their wounds.
For months, bars and nightclubs in Nairobi have struggled under Nyamu’s reign of terror pervaded by extortion.
Establishments along major roads such as Kiambu, Thika, and Lang’ata have been hit hard, with owners facing hefty bribe demands just to keep their businesses operational.
Nyamu, with the assistance of the Nairobi City County enforcer, Mr. Busienei, a City Inspectorate Officer, demands outrageous amounts of money from these establishments, especially during busy weekends. Bar owners claim they are forced to part with Ksh 500,000 to avoid being harassed or shut down, despite having met all the necessary licensing and compliance requirements.
The situation has become unbearable for many in the nightlife industry. Business owners are questioning how much longer will they continue operating under these circumstances of Nyamu’s reign of terror. Despite following all legal procedures and paying their taxes, they still find themselves at the mercy of Nyamu’s bribery network.
One prominent bar owner, Captain Maina, has spoken out, stating that the illegal demands have made it nearly impossible to stay in business.
Nyamu’s influence doesn’t stop with Nairobi’s bars and nightclubs.
His involvement in the city’s transport sector is equally damaging. Matatu operators who adhere to regulations are being outmaneuvered by competitors willing to bribe Nyamu for fraudulent licenses.
These illegal operators, with backdated approvals, have set up unauthorized pick-up and drop-off points in critical areas, causing increased traffic congestion and disorder across the city.
Though Nyamu was recently transferred from the Mobility Ministry, his corrupt practices continue to plague Nairobi’s transport system. Legal matatu operators have found themselves pushed aside by this corrupt network, with key stakeholders warning of the potential collapse of the city’s transportation network if Nyamu’s backdoor underhand deals are allowed to persist.
Speculation about his close relationship with top political figures has fueled concerns that Nyamu is protected from accountability. His continued involvement in these sectors, despite the numerous accusations, has raised questions about whether the political ties at play are preventing any action against him.
Nyamu’s has been linked with connections with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua who has been a pain in Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s flesh in the city’s decongestion programme.
Meanwhile, inside the county government, Nyamu’s toxic leadership style has further stained his reputation.
Several female employees have come forward accusing him of sexual harassment, bullying, and creating a hostile work environment. Despite their efforts to report these incidents, many are met with intimidation, leaving staff afraid to speak out.
Public outcry over Nyamu’s actions has intensified. Residents, business owners, and transport operators are calling for immediate action.
On social media, anti-corruption activists, led by blogger Cyprian Nyakundi, have been actively exposing Nyamu’s corrupt network. Their revelations have sparked heated debates about the future of Nairobi under his leadership as the Business and the Hustler Opportunities Chief Officer.
The Nairobi Liquor Licensing Board, under Mike Rabar, has also voiced its concerns about Nyamu’s operations. Rabar’s board is struggling to enforce regulations in the nightlife sector, with Nyamu’s bribes enabling unregulated businesses to operate unchecked. This interference has undermined the board’s authority, putting the safety and integrity of the entire sector at risk.
With growing pressure on Nairobi’s leadership, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has been called upon to investigate.
However, many fear that Nyamu’s political connections could block any meaningful probe into his dealings. Without decisive action, Nairobi’s progress is in danger of being undone by this web of corruption.
The fate of the city’s business and transport sectors hangs in the balance as Nairobians wait to see whether justice will prevail or if Boniface Nyamu’s corrupt empire will continue to thrive unchecked.
Though, there lies some hope with imminent impeachment of his godfather Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
