Rukanga residents protest against dumping of hazardous waste by factory

In a petition signed by 35 residents, the community raised concerns over toxic waste disposal, which they say has negatively affected their health, environment, and overall quality of life.

According to Kirinyaga County Assembly Deputy Speaker and Mutithi Ward MCA, Jinaro Namu Njamumo, the factory has been releasing contaminated wastewater into Murango River and dumping solid waste in open fields.

“The avocado processing factory is illegally discarding waste in public spaces, causing serious health hazards such as respiratory complications. Residents are spending sleepless nights. Just because the factory provides jobs, does it mean people should die as public health officers and NEMA watch?” Njamumo questioned.

The County Assembly’s Committee on Environment, Water, and Natural Resources, chaired by Timothy Kariuki, visited the site alongside journalists. However, the factory management barred them from accessing the premises.

“We were shocked to see harmful waste openly discarded in Mukangu village fields. This is a blatant violation of environmental laws,” Kariuki said.

Njamumo further accused the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and county public health officers of negligence in allowing the factory to flout regulations.

“The factory owner, NEMA officials, and the County Executive for Health will be summoned before the assembly. We cannot remain silent as our people suffer,” he added.

No officials from the factory were available to comment on the matter by the time of publication of the article.