Dozens of locals carrying placards barricaded the main entrance of a landfill in Norkopir area that has become an eyesore.
This comes after an attempt to work with the Kajiado County government to relocate it failed for the umpteenth time.
More than 100 trucks, some from Nairobi County, were turned away by locals vowing they would not allow further dumping.
At some point, though, the villagers budged after armed police officers escorted 11 trucks to dump in the site following “orders from above”.
In the last two weeks, bad odour and smoke have been emanating from the dump site due to an enduring fire.
Hundreds of livestock driven to the edge by the drought are mingling freely with other scavagers at the dump site.
Residents of adjacent estates have complained of unbearable living conditions.
The landfill sits next to homes.
“Our homes have been enveloped by heavy smoke and bad odour from the fire that has been burning at the dump site. We suspect some dangerous waste was being burned by unscrupulous traders. Some burning waste has been giving out loud explosive bangs,” Peter Kamau, a resident said.
The resident wants the dump site relocated, arguing that despite being a health hazard, it has contributed greatly to crime in the area.
“Let the county government walk the talk and relocate the landfill elsewhere. It has been turned into a cash cow for a few individuals for years. It must be stopped.”
Locals have organised day and night vigils to ensure no truck will be allowed in forthwith.
