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A section of Kisumu East residents on Thursday morning protested over toxic effluents allegedly being discharged by Kibos Sugar factory into River Kibos.

Despite the factory providing employment to about 400 locals of Kisumu County, the residents maintain that itS economic benefits cannot outweigh the health benefits.

“People who bathe in the water from this river develop body swellings and scars meaning that the water is already contaminated,” said one of the residents.

Last month, the residents successfully lodged a complaint in Lands and Environmental Court in Kisumu.

The court ordered the closure of the factory, a directive that was never effected.

The residents blame collusion between environmental officials, police and the factory management for the illegal operation of the cane miller.

It is estimated that over 10, 000 residents ,who live downstream, depend on the river for their livelihoods.