Kisumu:A fuel spill from a suspected pipeline burst near the Railway Bridge in Muhoroni Sub-County, Kisumu County, has led to contamination of River Nyando, prompting Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o to demand accountability from the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC).
According to Kenya News Agency, the spill, which occurred on Thursday, has raised significant concerns regarding public health, environmental safety, and the livelihoods of communities relying on the river. Emergency teams were dispatched to manage the situation, but traces of petroleum had already reached the river.
Prof. Nyong’o described the incident as a serious case of environmental degradation with potentially devastating effects on residents and the ecosystem. The contamination poses risks to public health, agriculture, and critical national infrastructure in the agriculturally rich areas of Adegra and Omanyi villages.
Officials from KPC have suggested that deliberate interference with the pipeline may have caused the spill. Investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) are underway to determine the cause of the incident.
Governor Nyong’o has urged for a rapid and unbiased investigation and emphasized the need for accountability if any wrongdoing is found. He also called for immediate containment, clean-up operations, and environmental assessments to mitigate the damage.
He stressed the importance of a transparent compensation process for all affected parties, ensuring justice for families, farmers, and businesses impacted by the spill. Additionally, the governor highlighted the need for enhanced pipeline safety measures to prevent future incidents.
This incident follows another recent spill in Muhoroni Sub-county, where a KPC technician died during routine maintenance. The governor underscored the need for decisive action to protect residents and natural resources, in line with Kenya’s constitutional rights to a clean and healthy environment.
