Makûeni Governor Mutula Kilonzo. Photo by Gvrns Press. 
By Andrew Mbuva
A decade after the devastating oil spill in Thange, Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr has delivered a damning statement implicating the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) in what is now being described as one of the worst environmental disasters in Kenya’s history.
According to the Governor, KPC was prematurely cleared from the site by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) before adequate restoration of the area was conducted. The consequences have been catastrophic: entire communities have unknowingly lived, farmed, and drank water contaminated by dangerous hydrocarbons.
Governor Kilonzo revealed that a task force appointed earlier this month to conduct medical and environmental tests in the region returned “heart-wrenching” results.
“Sixty percent of the residents examined are suffering from effects linked to hydrocarbon exposure. Boreholes tested in the area showed traces of diesel. Benzene—a known cause of leukemia and other cancers—was also found,” he stated.
Despite mounting evidence, KPC continued to deny any harmful impact to the local population. In correspondence as recent as last month, the company insisted there were “no adverse effects” on residents. Ironically, KPC declared a profit of KSh 10 billion in the last financial year.
The Governor’s statement follows a high-profile site visit on May 2, 2025, led by Senator Dr. Oburu Odinga and a Senate team. The visit left no doubt of KPC’s culpability in the health crisis afflicting thousands in Thange.
Moreover, a report submitted to the Senate by NEMA’s Director-General confirmed the contamination, a finding echoed by the Water Resources Authority.
“This is possibly the worst environmental disaster in Kenya,” said Governor Kilonzo. “The people of Thange have been left to suffer while institutions meant to protect them turned a blind eye.”
Calls for justice and restitution are mounting as outrage spreads over the decade-long neglect and cover-up.
The Governor’s bold and emotional statement is expected to reignite national debate on corporate accountability, environmental justice, and government oversight.
As residents continue to bear the brunt of this silent catastrophe, the nation watches to see whether meaningful action will finally be taken.
