The Senate Committee on Energy visited Thange Ward in Makueni County to collect facts on the impact of the oil Spill that occurred there 10 years ago.
The committee that was led by Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga particularly visited the worst affected area along River Thange that locals draw water for domestic use and watering of animals.
“We have come here because we have got complaints from wananchi and local leaders. They have said they are hurting due to the oil Spill that occured in 2015,” said Odinga while addressing wananchi in the area.
“We have come and seen what is happening here. The water has a foul smell, this is very disappointing,” lamented the Senator.
Consequently, he observed that they have also been briefed about the various sicknesses the people are suffering from the oil Spill that include cancer, kidney and liver problems among others.
Odinga told wananchi that the report will presented to the Senate for discussion in order to find a lasting solution to the oil spill in Thange ward that has affected people, livestock and the soil has samples of oil 10 years later.
On her part, Nominated Senator Beatrice Ogolla regretted that the community in the area may be extinct in the next 40 years if efforts are not made to turn around the worrying trend of the oil spill in the area.
Further Ms Ogolla warned government agencies against defending their positions and instead saying they should have taken responsibility of what happened in the area.
“The existence of this community is at risk. This is bad, government agencies should not defend their positions and deny what happened in this ward. As agencies you should take responsibility,” she warned.
“Kenya Pipeline Corporation (KPC) as the polluter must do its part. It is not enough to say we are compensating the people for the loss of livelihoods. What about the effects we are seeing 10 years later,” lamented the Senator?
Speaking at the same event, Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr said KPC should return to the area and start cleaning the environment while saying they should set aside funds to cater for medical cost of those affected and seeking treatment in various hospital.
On his part, National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Director General Mano Mano said KPC will return to clean the area soon.
Present included Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture Joyce Mutua and her counterpart for Environment Japheth Mang’oka.
By Patrick Nyakundi
