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Villagers of the Kambembe Area in Kiambu County are still holding 16 drums of the deadly sodium cyanide from a truck ferrying the chemical that overturned on Saturday.

Police and administration officials in the area have launched a manhunt in the surrounding areas looking for those still holding the chemical. Eight of the drums were recovered yesterday hidden in the farms.

After the accident, locals made away with 24 containers of the chemical from the overturned truck and were said to be looking for buyers in Limuru town oblivious of the harmful contents in their possession.

Those still holding the containers said they did not trust the government’s statement that the chemical is harmful and were convinced that the officials were deceiving them into releasing an otherwise expensive product.

Sodium cyanide is extremely toxic and any amount consumed through ingestion or inhalation can lead to death.

The Ministry of Health and the County Government of Kiambu have since cleared the area where the chemical was spilt.

Yesterday the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards confirmed that several drums of the chemical are still missing.

The ministry now says that although no cases of poisoning have been reported, engagements are still ongoing within the community to track, monitor, and secure chemicals that may have ended up in the wrong hands.

“We remind the public that sodium cyanide is extremely toxic, and even small amounts of ingestion or inhalation can be fatal. In case of contact, affected individuals should immediately flush their skin or eyes with running water for at least 30 minutes and contact the Public Health Emergency Operation Center at 0729471414 or 080072136 (toll-free), and the National Disaster Operation Centre at 0800721571 for assistance” said Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni in a statement.

Local residents were advised to practice caution and use proper equipment in case they come into contact with the chemical.

“Members of the public are advised not to touch damaged containers or spilt material unless wearing protective clothing. To minimise exposure, small spills should be covered with dry earth, dry sand, or any other non-combustible material.”

Proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as gloves, masks, and eye protection, is essential when handling sodium cyanide to prevent direct exposure. Adequate ventilation and spill containment systems are crucial in environments where sodium cyanide is handled.

Response procedures

Thorough training on its hazards and emergency response procedures is mandatory for anyone handling sodium cyanide.

The ministry said that immediate access to antidotes is vital in case of poisoning emanating from any exposure to the chemical.

A station has been set up by the Kiambu County Health Department to assist those affected by the chemical.

The Ministry of Health has initiated risk communication and community engagement through barazas, churches, primary care networks, community health promoters, national government, administration officers and the Nyumba Kumi initiative

Area chief David Kariuki told journalists that an unknown number of containers went missing following the accident and are suspected to have been looted by nearby residents

He also explained that the truck could not be towed to the local police station due to the risks involved in trans-locating the poisonous substances and they’re tracing the owner to ensure the safety of the poisonous product.

“We are appealing to members of the public who may have carried the product to return it to the accident scene where officials of the Kiambu County health management team are on standby,”

PS Muthoni said locals were being advised not to touch damaged containers or spilt material unless wearing protective clothing. To minimise exposure, small spills should be covered with dry earth, dry sand or any other noncombustible material.

She added that adequate ventilation and spill containment systems are crucial in environments where sodium cyanide is handled.

She further called on the members of the public who may have come into contact with the chemicals to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest dispensaries. A temporal station manned by the Kiambu County health department has been established near the incident’s site to review advice and support those with health difficulties.

Hazardous chemicals

Those in possession of the missing chemicals should surrender to the personnel at their station or call the emergency number provided for information on how to return them to the authorities.

She assured that the Ministry of Health remains committed to working with all stakeholders, this being the local community, to ensure public safety and manage the risks associated with the hazardous chemicals.

The internet was abuzz with many writing about the accident expressing concerns of their relatives and friends.