KARGI — Residents of Kargi in Marsabit County are demanding an urgent investigation into allegations that toxic wastes buried in the area are behind a surge in cancer cases and deaths. Residents and local health workers say cancer cases have risen steadily, with most deaths reported from cancers affecting the digestive system, particularly the oesophagus and stomach.
Many victims were from villages with limited access to medical care. Records from Kargi health facility show multiple cancer-related deaths, many involving the throat. They believe the rising cases are linked to toxic waste left behind during oil exploration in the 1980s. Sample tests carried out, have since pointed to possible contamination of local water sources, including the presence of heavy metals. Scientists have not yet established a definitive causal link between the contamination and the cancers, in part because long-term research has been limited.
Residents want authorities to establish whether soil and water have been contaminated and whether people and livestock have been affected. The concerns were raised during a community sensitization meeting organized by Rebuilding Livestock Pastoralist Livelihoods (REPAL) to educate residents on the dangers of toxic waste and the need to participate in issues affecting health, environment and livelihoods.
Those in attendance included Kargi/South Horr MCA Lumbo Matahdere Ogom, Chief Officer Hirkena Isandap, local administrators, residents and youth. MCA Ogom thanked REPAL for the forum, saying such meetings allow communities to ask questions and understand issues affecting them. He stressed the need for awareness on land rights, especially ownership, use and protection of community land in pastoral areas, and urged preparedness for El Niño to reduce impacts of heavy rains and floods.
On toxic waste, Ogom called for accurate information and precautionary measures to protect community health, environment and livestock. He said collaboration between leaders, communities, civil society and other stakeholders is crucial in finding solutions to challenges facing Kargi-South Horr and protecting the interests of present and future generations.
