GOVERNOR MUTULA UNVEILS COUNTY TECHNICAL TASKFORCE TO ADDRESS THANGE OIL SPILL.

Thange, Kibwezi East

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Tuesday unveiled a County Technical Working Team to assess the effects of oil spillage in Thange Ward.

The spill, first detected in 2015, has continued to affect community and the environment in Kibwezi East Sub County leading to serious health risks, including respiratory issues and skin conditions, as well as environmental damage such as water contamination, loss of aquatic life and reduced soil fertility.

While addressing a public forum in Thange market, Governor Mutula called on the newly unveiled team to accelerate their investigation into the effects of the oil spillage and submit an interim report within a month.

“Let’s refrain from prioritizing personal and political interests at the expense of affected residents and the damaged local ecosystems,” stated the governor.

The 8 member team, consisting of technical officers from the environment, water, livestock, public health and water analysis sectors, will play a key role in establishing the foundation for filing a formal complaint and determining the way forward for the affected community.

Mutula was joined by County Secretary Dr. Justin Kyambi, CECMs Nicholas Nzioka (Devolution), Japheth Mang’oka (Lands), Dr. Paul Musila (Health), Eng. John Kieti (Water), County Attorney Stanley Nthiwa, and MCAs Eric Katumo, Harrison Mwanzia, and Brian Nzoka.