Middle-Aged Man Dies After Falling into Neglected Sewer — Yamumbi Residents Accuse Eldowas, Threaten Mass Protests
“We’re not asking for miracles – just basic sanitation,” locals say as open trench claims a life
Eldoret's sewage treatment plant turning waste into clean water — Image courtesy: The Standard
Residents of Njabini village in the Yamumbi area of Uasin Gishu County have issued a passionate plea to Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company (Eldowas) and county authorities, demanding urgent action over a long-running sewerage spillage that has become a threat to human life, agriculture, and livestock.
This comes in the wake of the tragic death of Mr. James Thiongo, a resident who fell into an uncovered, sewage-filled trench near the Golden Gate area on April 4, 2025.
A Five-Year Sanitation Nightmare
What began in 2019 as what locals called a “minor inconvenience” has since escalated into a full-blown public health crisis, with raw sewage regularly spilling into nearby farms and footpaths due to blocked systems and a poorly designed open trench.
“This trench has been here for over five years, and instead of helping drain waste, it now traps dirty water and sewage, making the situation even worse,” said Martha Cherono, a Njabini resident and mother of three. “We’ve buried one of our own. How many more lives must we lose before someone does something?”
Contaminated Farms, Ailing Livestock, Sick Residents
Residents say the overflowing sewage is contaminating food crops and grazing areas, leading to livestock deaths and illnesses in both children and adults.
“We are witnessing more cases of diarrhea, persistent headaches, and mosquito-related infections,” noted a local community health volunteer, adding, “The milk from our cows is no longer safe. Our animals feed on contaminated grass.”
One farmer, Paul Kiptoo, shared his frustrations: “I’ve lost two goats in the past month after they drank water from the trench. My maize crop has also been damaged by the sewage overflow.”
The Trench: A Death Trap
The trench, which stretches from Golden Gate to Yamumbi Police Station, is said to be deeper than the nearby culverts, causing stagnation of both rainwater and sewage. Residents argue that the trench’s poor engineering has worsened the problem.
“Mr. Thiongo’s death was not an accident—it was preventable,” said Simon Mwangi, a Njabini youth leader. “He slipped and fell into a trench that should have been either covered or safely redirected.”
Locals are now demanding that the trench be either rectified or rerouted through Cherunya to ensure proper flow and drainage.
Community to Stage Peaceful Demonstration
Frustrated by years of neglect, Njabini residents have announced plans to hold a peaceful demonstration to pressure Eldowas and the county government to act. The protest is expected to take place ahead of the late Mr. Thiongo’s funeral.
“This is not just about infrastructure—it’s about dignity, health, and respect,” emphasized Grace Jepchirchir, a resident and community mobilizer. “We believe in the county’s leadership, but we need them to prove they care.”
Residents’ Demands to Authorities
In a signed petition, residents are urging relevant stakeholders to:
- Assess and repair the trench and sewage systems immediately.
- Implement a permanent drainage solution for the Yamumbi-Golden Gate corridor.
- Engage local communities in creating sustainable sanitation strategies.
Copies of the petition have been sent to the Uasin Gishu Governor, the County Commissioner, the County Department of Environment and Climate Change, NEEMA, and other relevant agencies.
Eldowas and Ongoing Public Concerns
Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company (Eldowas), a county-owned utility, has in the past faced backlash from residents over poor sanitation services in rapidly growing urban and peri-urban areas. While the company has made strides in water provision, sewer infrastructure has lagged behind—particularly in informal settlements and rural outskirts like Yamumbi.
In a 2023 audit by the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB), Eldowas was ranked among the top-performing utilities in revenue collection, but concerns were raised about wastewater management, especially in low-income zones.
“Fix This Before We Bury Another”
“We are not asking for miracles,” said the community’s statement. “We are asking for a functioning drainage system and proper management of sewage waste. Fix this before we bury another.”
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