Thange Oil Spilage victims camp outside Makueni Governor's Office on October 29, 2025. They are demanding for Withdrawal of Senator Maanzo as their lawyer. Photo by PW Pics. 
By Andrew Mbuva
Tension is brewing in Thange, Makueni County, after petitioners in the long-drawn Thange oil spillage compensation case called for the immediate withdrawal of Senator Daniel Maanzo as their lawyer, accusing him of delaying justice and misrepresenting their interests.
The residents, led by Bosco Musau Musyoki, said they have lost confidence in the senator’s ability to handle their case, which has dragged in court for over 15 years. They allege that Maanzo has been too preoccupied with his senatorial duties to give the matter the attention it deserves.
“I was called by Maanzo one day and told that I would be facilitated with fare to Wote. I declined because I told them I will stick with the lawyer who won our case. Maanzo is too busy with his work as Senator and always sends other lawyers to represent him in court,” said Musau.
He further accused Maanzo of colluding with individuals outside the affected area to form a questionable Sacco purporting to represent victims of the oil spillage. “Since when did people who were affected by oil spillage become a Sacco? Some of the names in their list are not even from Thange,” Musau lamented, warning that such actions could deny genuine victims their rightful compensation.
Musau said the residents have instead chosen to be represented by lawyer Ndolo, who successfully won a related case and even opened an office in Thange to serve the community. “Why has Maanzo never opened an office here? Why should we travel to Wote or Nairobi? We respect him as our senator, but he should stay away from this case and let our lawyer proceed,” he said.
The Thange area MCA, Eric Katumo, confirmed that the case—filed in 2018 under Maanzo’s representation—has faced persistent delays. He revealed that the latest hearing, scheduled for October 29, was postponed to November 27 after allegations surfaced that some petitioners had forged signatures withdrawing from Maanzo’s case.
“This is the second Thange case led by petitioner Luphas Muthama, and all those who attended court today said they prefer lawyer Mureith to represent them,” Katumo noted.
He urged the feuding parties to settle their differences and allow each group to proceed with the lawyer of their choice, emphasizing that the ultimate goal should be the compensation of all victims, regardless of who represents them.
“The Governor, who is also a lawyer, advised that the case should be opened to all victims so that no one is left behind. What is happening now is regrettable,” Katumo said. “Our wish as leaders is to see every Thange victim compensated. Whether it’s Mureith or Maanzo handling it doesn’t matter—justice for our people is what counts.”
He added that the May 2025 Restoration Order issued by NEMA reaffirmed the victims’ right to compensation from the Kenya Pipeline Company, which was found responsible for the oil spillage that devastated livelihoods in Thange years ago.
As the legal tussle continues, residents are now appealing to all leaders to unite and push for the swift conclusion of the case, saying justice delayed has already been justice denied for far too long.
