Public health professionals in Nairobi have raised concerns about an alleged pattern of extortion and harassment involving a member of the county assembly and senior county officials.

An association of health officers claimed it was being coerced into unethical behaviour specifically targeting restaurant owners with threats that their businesses would be closed unless bribes were paid.

Intimididation

The officers, who are responsible for maintaining public health standards in the city, claimed the MCA and county officials had exploited their positions to manipulate enforcement actions against restaurants for personal financial gain.

Several public health officers have been subjected to threats and intimidation by the ward rep and officials, who are alleged to be extorting traders, said Association of Public Health Officers of Kenya secretary general Mohamed Duba (pictured).

Officers responsible for enforcing public health regulations, he said, are being pressured into shutting down restaurants only for corrupt officials to reopen these establishments after extorting money from the business owners.

“This MCA and the senior officials are undermining the integrity of our work,” Duba said.

Nairobi County Public Health Chief Officer Tom Nyakaba said his office was not aware of the allegations but was investigating.