Former Nairobi Environment Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria has declared he was moved from his high-profile post because he “trampled on untouchables.” His transfer came in a wide-ranging reshuffle by Governor Johnson Sakaja.

The move raises critical questions about the influence of powerful cartels at City Hall and the potential risks faced by officials who challenge the status quo. For Nairobians, this is more than a political shuffle; it’s a test of the county's resolve to enforce laws meant to protect public spaces and ensure safe, legal construction.

Speaking on Monday, December 1, Mosiria alleged his demotion to the Citizen Engagement and Customer Service docket was a direct consequence of his enforcement actions. “I indeed trampled on those who are untouchable... until some of them got irritated by me, but I do not fear man; I only fear God,” Mosiria stated.

He recalled stopping several illegal and high-stakes construction projects, including developments on riverbanks and shutting down large, non-compliant clubs that had previously been ignored. Mosiria’s hands-on approach, often documented on his social media pages, made him one of City Hall's most visible officials.

A Reshuffle for Service Delivery

Governor Sakaja’s office presented the reshuffle, which affected ten chief officers, as a routine measure to enhance service delivery. The changes, announced on November 18, 2025, were made in accordance with the County Government Act.

In the shake-up, Mosiria was replaced by Hibrahim Otieno, who moved from the Medical Facilities docket. The move is widely seen as a demotion for the vocal Mosiria from a powerful, frontline role to one with less direct enforcement power.

This is the second time Mosiria has been moved under the Sakaja administration; he was transferred from the Health docket to Environment in an August 2024 reshuffle. The latest changes also saw other key movements:

• Godfrey Akumali: Moved from Business and Hustler Opportunities to Housing and Urban Renewal.
• Lydia Mathia: Transferred from Housing and Urban Renewal to Business and Hustler Opportunities.
• Sande Oyolo: Reassigned from Digital Economy and Start-ups to head Medical Facilities.

While Mosiria frames his transfer as a consequence of his tough stance, he remains defiant. He insisted the move would not deter him from his work, vowing to bring the same energy to his new role. “I am still working to help the people... I look at the office in terms of the service that we will offer,” he reiterated.