Senate slams State agencies over unresolved Thange River oil crisis

Senators have raised alarm over the continued suffering of Thange River residents in Makueni County, nearly ten years after an oil spillage polluted the area, causing widespread sickness, deaths and rising cancer cases.

A Senate Energy Committee, led by Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, said the Kenya Pipeline Company, NEMA and the county government must come together to solve what has become a long-running humanitarian crisis.

"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," said Oburu.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo told senators the contamination left behind high levels of benzene in the water and soil, exposing residents to deadly health risks.

"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," Mutula said.

Mutula demanded proper compensation for the victims, saying families were struggling with funeral costs and long-term treatment of cancer and other illnesses.

"We are tired of spending money in 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.

Senator Boni Khalwale supported the governor, warning that benzene contamination causes various cancers and is hard to treat once it enters the body. He proposed relocating people from the worst-affected zones.

"There is a need for an immediate mitigation initiative which might include relocating residents from the areas that are highly affected to ensure that they do not continue suffering," said Khalwale.

Narok Senator Ledama ole Kina said the case should not be tied up in legal processes while residents continue to suffer without support. He urged all responsible agencies to act with urgency and humanity.

Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo expressed concern that KPC Managing Director Joe Sang was not present during the Senate visit, saying direct engagement on the ground would have changed his approach.

NEMA Director General Mamo Mamo told senators that KPC was granted partial decommissioning based on expert reports and called for regular checks to monitor pollution.

In response, KPC boss Joe Sang said the company had already compensated 242 households with Sh38 million and invested another Sh324 million in community support.

"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 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," said Sang.

Despite these efforts, senators insist that the current measures fall short of addressing the scale of human suffering in Thange.