Thange oil spill victims still suffering 10 years on as Senators demand action

More than a decade since the Thange River oil spillage in Makueni County, residents continue to suffer illnesses and deaths linked to the pollution, with the Senate now calling out government agencies for failing to resolve the crisis.

The Senate Standing Committee on Energy, led by Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, visited the affected area and confirmed ongoing health complications that locals believe are caused by long-term exposure to toxic chemicals in the soil and water.

"The Senate, Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and Makueni County Government must now have a solution to this grave matter that has remained unresolved for many years later with residents suffering," Oburu said.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo told the committee that although investigations were carried out in 2015, little has been done since, while families continue to lose loved ones.

"We are burying residents as a result of the consequences of the chemicals in the soil, while others are dependent on frequent medication. The young children who were born after the spillage are still being affected," he said.

Mutula said there is a clear link between the benzene found in the soil and the rising cases of cancer in the area. He expressed frustration over the financial burden families are facing due to constant funerals and ongoing medical needs.

"We are tired of spending money on funeral expenses and on supporting the medication of the victims of the Thange River spillage. It is clear that the area residents are affected and they should be compensated adequately," he added.

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale warned that benzene in the soil is extremely dangerous and called for immediate action, including relocating people from the most affected areas.

"Benzene chemical in the soil, if it gets into the body system of residents for one year, it has the capacity of causing them various cancers since it gets into their bone marrow and is resistant to various medications," Khalwale said.

Narok Senator Ledama ole Kina said victims cannot wait for slow court processes while they continue to suffer.

He insisted that all players in the issue must treat it as a humanitarian emergency.

Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo criticised the Kenya Pipeline Company for not treating the matter with the seriousness it deserves.

He said the company’s top leadership, including the Managing Director, should have visited the site.

"The residents of Makueni have suffered for the last 10 years since tragedy struck, unfortunately, Kenya Pipeline Company does not seem to give this matter the seriousness it deserves; that is why we want all stakeholders to address this matter," Maanzo said.

NEMA Director General Mamo Mamo told senators the agency had only granted a partial decommissioning to KPC and advised that water and soil in the area should be monitored regularly.

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KPC Managing Director Joe Sang responded by saying the company had identified 242 households and given them Sh38 million in compensation.

He added that KPC had spent Sh324 million on community support projects.

"We have dug trenches in a 2.1 km stretch to cut off any movement of the oil product when the matter was brought to our attention, and we were ready to work with locals. We have a comprehensive insurance cover, and we are committed to working with all stakeholders to resolve the matter finally," Sang said.