Fishermen and Kikambala Beach Management Unit (BMU) in Mtepeni Ward, Kilifi South Sub-county, have raised alarm over severe marine pollution they attribute to oil and chemical leakage from a grounded cargo vessel, saying the contamination has devastated marine life and crippled their livelihoods.
The residents have called for an independent environmental assessment of the affected area, immediate suspension of the salvage operations pending investigations, and restoration of the damaged marine ecosystem to safeguard biodiversity and protect coastal livelihoods.
They said the cargo vessel, which has run aground poses an immediate and severe threat to the marine environment due to potential fuel, oil, and hazardous chemical leaks that can devastate coastal ecosystems, kill marine life, and disrupt local livelihoods
Speaking to the press at Kikambala Beach, BMU Chairman Khelil Mbokali said ongoing salvage operations on the grounded vessel had led to spills that continue to poison the Indian Ocean and destroy fragile coastal habitats.
“The salvage activities have contaminated the ocean, poisoned the water, and killed marine animals. We have witnessed the death of endangered green sea turtles, while their breeding grounds around the wreck site have also been destroyed,” Mbokali said.
He questioned whether the individuals carrying out the salvage exercise had the requisite authorization and technical competence to do so safely.
“We do not know whether the person salvaging the wreck is licensed or qualified. What we know is that the ongoing operation is damaging the environment and affecting our livelihoods,” he said.
The vessel, identified by the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) as MV Jozani II, capsized off the coast of Tanga, Tanzania, on April 17, 2026, while transporting about 800 tonnes of cement to Unguja, Zanzibar.
The ship reportedly suffered a technical failure compounded by rough seas. Of the 14 crew members aboard, ten were rescued while four remain missing.
The vessel later drifted more than 240 kilometers north before running aground on the Kenyan coastline near Kilifi, where it has remained for approximately four months.
Mbokali said he had reported the pollution to the KMA through its emergency hotline soon after the damage became apparent but that no visible action had followed.
“I personally contacted the KMA to report the incident, but the salvage work and destruction of the beach have continued unabated. We are now appealing to the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs and all relevant agencies to intervene before the damage becomes irreversible,” he said.
The pollution has disrupted fishing activities that many households in the area depend on for their income.
Fisherman Khalib Sule Khalib said the contamination had brought fishing activities to a near standstill.
“The sea has been polluted, and we can no longer fish safely. Tourism activities along the beach have also declined because of the foul smell from decomposing marine animal carcasses and the oil spill,” Khalib said.
Fellow fisherman Kitengo Charo Kaka voiced frustration over what he termed “official silence” despite repeated complaints from the community.
“We have reported the matter to the relevant authorities several times, but nobody seems willing to address our concerns,” he said.
We want to know why no action has been taken to stop the environmental destruction,” Kaka said.
KMA, through a statement that its officers are in close collaboration with relevant stakeholders, continues to maintain continuous oversight of the situation to safeguard navigation, protect the marine environment, and support the welfare of the crew onboard the ill-fated vessel.
KMA has also noted that the Kenya Coast Guard Service continues to provide round-the-clock security and surveillance to prevent unauthorized access to the vessel and detect acts of vandalism.
By Ramadhan Nassib
