๐ก๐๐๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ , ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ก๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐บ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฟ: Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has taken the plight of Thange residents to Parliament, demanding accountability and urgent environmental restoration following the Kenya Petroleum Company (KPC) oil spill of 2015.
The Governor spoke during a meeting with the Senate Energy Committee, chaired by Senator William Kisang, and other stakeholders to examine the medical and public health impact of the oil spill in Thange, Kibwezi.
The meeting brought together representatives of the County Government, Ministry of Health, Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), among other stakeholders.
Governor Mutula criticised government agencies for failing to address the crisis, saying their inaction had undermined the Senate’s oversight role while residents continued to suffer.He termed the incident criminal and called for those responsible for negligence to be held accountable.
He questioned the stalled restoration process, noting that KPC had secretly challenged a restoration order before a tribunal, which subsequently nullified it. He said the situation remained largely unchanged since the Senate’s 2025 visit.
The Governor also recalled that in 2018, NEMA ordered the suspension of restoration works, claiming the affected area had already been cleaned.
He warned that petroleum contamination extended approximately 40 kilometres beyond kilometre zero, raising concerns over contaminated soils, water, agricultural produce and the health of residents.
Senate Committee members backed the Governor’s concerns and emphasised the need for responsible agencies to fulfil their mandates.
However, KPC and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) absconded the inquiry despite being key institutions required to explain the spill’s impact and restoration efforts. Their absence forced the committee to adjourn the proceedings.
The two agencies have been summoned to appear before the committee on 19th November ,when the committee and the other stakeholders will continue with the inquiry.
