In a recent incident that has sparked debate among Nairobi residents, Chief Environment Officer Geoffrey Mosiria was met with strong opposition while attempting to halt the Floodies floodlight tournament at Impala Club, citing noise control concerns. The event, which is a popular gathering for sports enthusiasts, became a stage for public outcry as revellers heckled Mosiria and his team, ultimately forcing them to leave.
The situation unfolded on Saturday, November 2, and was captured in a video shared by social media user Francis Gaitho on X. In the clip, Mosiria is seen walking away from the scene as onlookers shouted at him, questioning his decision to intervene. One comment from Gaitho read, “I warned @HonMosiria that he’ll be … by wananchi. How do you go to shut down floodies, kwani Nairobi ni …? Mosiria, yesterday you …, but next time, you may not be so lucky. Madaraka kidogo and you think you run this town.”
Reactions to the incident were mixed, with some supporting Mosiria’s enforcement of noise regulations. One user stated, “That guy is operating within the law and you support that, so sorry bro that’s why Kenya is where it is now.” Others, however, criticized his approach, arguing that Floodies is a unique and cherished event in the community. Comments included sentiments such as, “Floodies is not floodies without the party on the sidelines. It is not an everyday event. Not a nightclub, neither church. It’s sports. He’s too much.”
Despite the backlash, Mosiria has been recognized for his environmental efforts. On the same day as the incident, he was awarded as the best-performing chief officer in Nairobi County by Politrack Africa Limited and ranked second nationwide. Mosiria credited this achievement to the collective efforts of his team and the support of Governor Johnson Sakaja.
The incident at Impala Club highlights the ongoing tension between environmental regulations and the need for public recreational activities in urban settings. While Mosiria’s commitment to a noise-free environment is commendable, the strong public response indicates a need for a balanced approach that considers both community enjoyment and environmental concerns.
As the debate continues, many are left wondering how the city can effectively manage public events while maintaining a commitment to environmental standards. For now, Geoffrey Mosiria remains a polarizing figure in Nairobi’s efforts to navigate these complex issues.