Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka has called for justice for residents affected by the 2015 Kenya Pipeline oil spill during a visit to Thange, Kibwezi East, on November 9, 2025.

In posts on X, Musyoka highlighted the community’s ongoing struggles, stating, “This afternoon, I met the people of Thange, Kibwezi East, still living with the scars of the 2015 Kenya Pipeline oil spill.”

He accused cartels of orchestrating the spill to siphon oil, causing severe environmental and health consequences.

“This deliberate spill by cartels determined to siphon oil from Kenya Power, poisoned their land, water, and health , yet justice remains delayed. The Environment and Land Court ordered compensation, but KPC still denies responsibility,” Musyoka said, referencing the July 2025 court ruling mandating Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to pay over Ksh3 billion in damages.

Impact on residents and environment

Kalonzo described the spill as a grave injustice. “This is not just pollution — it’s a crime against a community. Thange deserves justice, clean water, and accountability — not excuses,” he emphasised.

His visit included local leaders, noting, “I was accompanied by Makueni County Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr, Senator Dan Maanzo and Kibwezi East MP Jessica Mbalu.”

The spill, first detected in 2015, has caused health risks including respiratory issues and skin conditions, as well as environmental damage such as water contamination, loss of aquatic life, and reduced soil fertility.

Speaking at the Senate committee on May 29, 2025, Governor Mutula urged the technical team assessing the spill to submit an interim report within a month, saying, “Let’s refrain from prioritising personal and political interests at the expense of affected residents and the damaged local ecosystems.”

Calls for action and compensation

Victims continue to suffer a decade later, with the Senate’s Energy Committee noting unexplained deaths and illnesses linked to the spill.

“The Senate, Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and Makueni County Government must now have a solution to this grave matter that has remained unresolved for many years later with residents suffering,” Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga stated.

Mutula highlighted benzene contamination causing cancers and deaths, adding, “We are tired of spending money on funeral expenses and on supporting the medication of the victims of the Thange River spillage. It is clear that the area residents are affected, and they should be compensated adequately.”

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale suggested relocation for highly affected areas, while Narok Senator Ledama ole Kina called for a human-centered approach. Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo criticized KPC’s lack of seriousness, stating, “The residents of Makueni have suffered for the last 10 years since tragedy struck; unfortunately, Kenya Pipeline Company does not seem to give this matter the seriousness it deserves.”

KPC Managing Director Joe Sang defended their response, saying, “We have dug trenches in a 2.1 km stretch to cut off any movement of the oil product when the matter was brought to our attention, and we were ready to work with locals. We have a comprehensive insurance cover, and we are committed to working with all stakeholders to resolve the matter finally.”