Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has issued a seven-day ultimatum to a private hospital in Bobasi Constituency following complaints from residents that the facility is discharging raw sewage into local water streams.
Onyonka is demanding that the hospital produce all necessary environmental and health licenses or face legal action.
In a formal statement released on his official X account on Tuesday, July 5, 2025, the senator said his office had received credible reports from locals in Nyanuguti sub-location, Sameta Mokwerero ward.
According to him, residents submitted video clips clearly showing untreated human waste being released into water streams in the area.
“The Office of the Senator Kisii County has received a complaint from the people of Nyanuguti sub-location (Etora/Lenmek), in Sameta Mokwerero ward, Bobasi Constituency, over a deliberate action by a hospital releasing raw human excrement to water streams in the area,” he said.
Adding;
“In video clips sent to my office by the locals, they clearly show that the allegations are true and indeed that is happening.”
Onyonka emphasised that the discharge of raw sewage is a direct violation of the Public Health Act, Cap 242, which outlines regulations for drainage, sanitation, and the protection of public health.
He added that the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is responsible for regulating sewage disposal and ensuring water bodies are not contaminated.
“Testimonies from the locals indicate that the community is already suffering the effects of the actions of [the hospital] to release the effluent waste to the river. The families living near the hospital have reported an outbreak of waterborne diseases since the vice started,” he stated.
Onyonka also expressed concern over claims that the hospital management has been using police officers to silence residents who raise complaints about the pollution.
“The residents of Nyanuguti have raised their concerns that the proprietor of the facility uses the police to intimidate them any time they attempt to raise a complaint over this issue,” Onyonka said.
Citing Article 35 of the Constitution and the Access to Information Act of 2016, he said the public has the right to access information that promotes transparency and accountability in both public and private institutions.
“The Office of the Senator of Kisii demands the following from the Management of [the hospital] to assist in performing its oversight role,” he said.
Adding;
“We are requesting the hospital to submit a response within 7 days; failure to which, we will take the necessary legal action against the facility on this matter.”
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