07.05.2026 10:09
299 people in Kenya's Marsabit County have filed a lawsuit, claiming that underground water was contaminated during BP's oil exploration activities in the 1980s. The lawsuit states that the contamination resulted in deaths and animal losses.
In CAPE Kenya, 299 people have filed a lawsuit against the British energy company BP, alleging that groundwater was contaminated during oil exploration activities carried out in the 1980s.
According to reports in the national press, 299 people from the villages of Kargi and Kalacha in Marsabit County brought the case to court, claiming that the company "Amoco Corporation," acquired by the British energy firm BP (British Petroleum), contaminated groundwater by releasing toxic waste into the environment during oil exploration activities conducted between 1985 and 1993.
THEY HAD DRILLED 10 OIL WELLS IN THE REGION
In the lawsuit filed at the Environment and Land Court in the city of Isiolo, the company, which drilled at least 10 oil wells in the region during that period, was accused of contaminating groundwater by leaving hazardous substances such as radioactive radium isotopes, arsenic, lead, and nitrate in open pits after drilling operations.
"POLLUTION CAUSED THE DEATHS OF OVER 500 PEOPLE"
In the petition submitted to the court, it was alleged that the pollution led to the deaths of more than 500 people and numerous animals. The plaintiffs are demanding compensation for the deaths and animal losses they claim were caused by the contaminated water, comprehensive environmental cleanup and ecosystem restoration in the affected areas, as well as accountability from relevant Kenyan public institutions accused of failing to act in response to the pollution allegations.
The court also decided to include the Kenyan Ministry of Energy and Petroleum in the case and ordered that all defendants be served notices within 14 days.