A decade after an oil spillage from the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) devastated Thange Village, residents of Makueni County are still grappling with its devastating environmental and health consequences.

The spillage, which occurred on May 12, 2015, was attributed to a suspected leak along the Mombasa-Nairobi pipeline. While emergency teams were dispatched to contain and clean up the spill, by June 15 of the same year, petroleum traces had already contaminated the Thange River in Kibwezi East Constituency.

In a petition presented to the Senate Standing Committee on Energy chaired by Dr. Oburu Odinga, Thange MCA Erick Musyoki Katumo detailed how the spill led to widespread land and water pollution. Residents say their farmland has become infertile, and water sources are no longer safe for consumption due to suspected lead poisoning.

“The oil spillage led to the loss of agricultural productivity. Our land is no longer arable, and we’re forced to buy vegetables and fruits from distant towns like Wote to avoid health risks,” said one resident.

Once recognized as one of the most agriculturally productive areas in Kibwezi East Constituency, Thange Village heavily relied on clean river water sourced from the Chyulu Hills to cultivate crops such as maize, tomatoes, kale, pawpaw, sweet potatoes, cowpeas, and watermelons.

While the initial environmental impact seemed minimal, residents now face long-term effects: rising kidney failure cases, frequent livestock miscarriages, widespread vegetation loss, and the closure of more than five boreholes and wells due to water contamination.

“The oil spillage runs 15 feet beneath the ground. The aftermath continues to claim lives; cancer and kidney failure have become rampant,” said Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior.

Senator Beatrice Ogolla warned that if immediate restoration efforts are not undertaken, Thange Village could become uninhabitable within 40 years due to ongoing environmental degradation.

Initial assessments by KPC suggested the spill’s impact was limited to a one-kilometer radius. However, evidence has emerged showing that contamination spread downstream to areas such as Masongaleni Ward. 

An independent taskforce commissioned by Governor Mutula contradicted KPC’s 2015 internal report, which had claimed no environmental damage occurred.

“River Thange flows through our village. The toxic contents have reached Masongaleni and continue to cause destruction,” said Masongaleni MCA Bryan Kyalo Nzoka.

When questioned by Dr. Oburu about compensation, a KPC environmental director confirmed that the company disbursed Ksh. 38 million to 342 households for loss of livelihood.

NEMA Director General Mamo Mamo reminded the committee of Article 42 of Kenya’s Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to a clean and healthy environment. He added that deposit bond regulations for environmental restoration have now been enacted.

“Monetary compensation is only a short-term remedy,” said NEMA board member John Mutuse, a native of Thange. “We need long-term, generational solutions.”

Host Senator Daniel Maanzo said the Senate will summon KPC Managing Director Joe Sang to discuss further compensation particularly for residents along the entire 42-kilometer stretch of River Thange, who may be relocated due to the deteriorating land quality.

Governor Mutula emphasized the need for stronger accountability from the company.

“We should demand a deposit bond of not less than Ksh. 100 billion from Kenya Pipeline to ensure future interventions,” he said. “Many of our residents undergo weekly dialysis costing over Ksh. 10,000 due to oil pollution related illnesses including kidney failure disease.”