Makueni: The Senate Committee on Energy visited Thange Ward in Makueni County to gather information on the repercussions of an oil spill that occurred there a decade ago. The committee, led by Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, focused on the most affected areas along River Thange, a crucial water source for local residents and their livestock.
According to Kenya News Agency, Senator Odinga stated the visit was prompted by complaints from citizens and local leaders about the ongoing impact of the 2015 oil spill. Odinga reported that the water in the area has a foul smell and expressed concern about the situation. He also noted that residents are suffering from various illnesses, including cancer, kidney, and liver problems, linked to the spill.
Odinga assured the community that the findings would be reported to the Senate for further discussion to develop a sustainable solution to the oil spill’s impact on people, livestock, and the environment, which still shows traces of oil a decade later.
Nominated Senator Beatrice Ogolla expressed concern that the community might face extinction within 40 years if the situation does not improve. She criticized government agencies for not taking responsibility and urged them to acknowledge the situation rather than defend their positions.
Ogolla specifically called out the Kenya Pipeline Corporation (KPC) as the responsible party, emphasizing that compensating residents for lost livelihoods is insufficient. She questioned the long-term health effects that remain visible 10 years after the incident.
Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr echoed these concerns, urging KPC to return to the area to clean the environment and allocate funds for the medical expenses of affected residents. National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Director General Mano Mano announced that KPC would soon undertake cleanup activities in the area.
The visit was attended by Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo, County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture Joyce Mutua, and Environment counterpart Japheth Mang’oka.