Machakos governor Dr Alfred Mutua has started operations to stop pollution of Athi river with poisonous chemicals and raw sewage by unscrupulous business people and residents.
The governor on Tuesday toured the Mto Mawe area of Mavoko Sub County where despite warnings by his administration, the companies around have continued to pollute the river.
In a post on his Facebook page after the visit, Mutua said the companies were notorious and had even defied court orders to stop the dangerous activities.
"Today I have proved that the wananchi, the innocent children, youth, mothers and fathers of our country are the "wakubwas". I have shut down the WALKER INDUSTRIES companies and the management has been arrested for criminal activities," reads part of his post.
The governor insisted that the rights of Kenyans must be protected and their health assured by governments that care.
Mutua had earlier warned the company owners against pollution of rivers in the county.
He has now given all the companies in the county 30 days to comply with directives given by his administration and NEMA as well as other government agencies.
The county boss also issued a notice to gated residential communities dumping raw waste into the river.
"I give them 45 days from today to ensure that they have waste disposal or recycling bins and to disconnect any pipe leading to the river. Failure to which we will arrest all adult residents and also evacuate the buildings ready for demolition," said Mutua in the Facebook post.