Nairobi’s struggle with disorder is not new, but the methods being used by some county officials to enforce rules are now attracting as much attention as the problems they are meant to solve.
Geoffrey Mosiria has become one of the most visible faces of Nairobi County enforcement, with his public confrontations and clean-up operations regularly drawing attention online.
Mosiria has built a reputation for appearing at the centre of enforcement activities, often recording encounters with members of the public.
His approach has earned him support from some Nairobi residents who believe the city needs firm action against littering, illegal activities and general indiscipline.
However, others are questioning whether his methods go beyond what a county official should be doing.
One recent video circulating online shows Mosiria confronting pedestrians who allegedly failed to use a footbridge. Some were also accused of using their phones while crossing the road.
In the footage, members of the public were ordered to collect rubbish as a form of punishment.The incident has sparked debate over whether such actions are proper enforcement or an unnecessary display of authority.
Ephraim Njenga has criticised Mosiria, describing him as an “overzealous” county official who has turned his work into what he calls a “one man law enforcement show.” The criticism raises an important question about the limits of power held by public officials.
There is no argument that Nairobi needs stronger enforcement. Littering is a problem, pedestrians are expected to follow traffic rules and county authorities have a responsibility to keep the city clean and orderly.
But enforcement should be carried out within the law and through recognised procedures.
Public officials cannot simply create punishments at the roadside because they believe those punishments will teach people a lesson.
Any action taken against members of the public should respect their rights and dignity.
The rubbish collection order also raises concerns about safety. Waste found along busy roads can contain broken glass, metal or other dangerous materials.
Asking members of the public to handle such waste without proper protection may create additional risks instead of solving the original problem.
Mosiria’s decision to record many of these confrontations also deserves scrutiny. While filming public enforcement activities is not automatically unlawful, repeatedly placing ordinary citizens on camera can raise questions about privacy, dignity and how personal information is being used.
The biggest challenge for Mosiria may therefore be his growing public profile. Visibility can help an official communicate with residents, but it can also expose every decision to public criticism.
Leadership is not simply about being seen everywhere or appearing tough. It also requires restraint, judgment and respect for institutional boundaries.
Njenga’s claim that indiscipline cannot be fought by committing offences remains an allegation, not proof that Mosiria has committed a crime. Still, the wider message deserves attention. Nairobi needs effective enforcement, but that enforcement must be guided by the same law officials expect residents to respect.
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