BP sued over alleged toxic dumping in Kenya

British energy company BP is being sued over claims that improper disposal of toxic waste in two remote villages in northeastern Kenya killed thousands of livestock and caused cancer in hundreds of residents.

The petition, filed by hundreds of locals, alleges that BP dumped toxins that contaminated the groundwater in Kargi and Kalacha villages in Marsabit County, one of Kenya’s poorest regions.

Although BP did not conduct the oil exploration mission that allegedly left locals suffering from hazardous waste between 1984 and 1990, the company acquired the U.S. oil firm Amoco in 1998, which is said to have carried out the operations.

On Thursday, the petitioners’ lawyer formally submitted the documents to the court on behalf of the British company through the foreign affairs ministry, after BP disputed the submission on procedural grounds.

The petition states that “for the past three decades Marsabit County has experienced an increased incidence of cancer and persistent deaths and illness of livestock.”

Lawyer Kelvin Kubai told AFP that BP is being sued because, by acquiring Amoco, “it assumes both liabilities and assets.”

“British Petroleum has been sued in respect of the legacy activities of Amoco corporation,” Kubai said.

Court papers seen by AFP show that about 200 petitioners—most of whom suffered from various cancers—have died and are now represented by family members, he added.

“This is an environmental genocide,” he said, warning that the numbers could be higher and still rising.

Lead petitioner Asunta Galgitile told AFP that she had cared for several relatives who later died of cancer, which she blamed on contaminated wells from which they drew water.

Local media have reported groundwater contamination in Kargi village, citing a case in 2000 in which some 7,000 livestock died.

Research by the University of Nairobi found that “nitrates were five to ten times higher than WHO recommended levels in drinking water.”

The petitioners have cited other scientific studies in the court papers.

BP has yet to comment on the lawsuit.

After Thursday’s court submission, Kubai said: “BP will be forced to make formal responses to our petition.”

The court has scheduled a mention for June 16 to confirm whether BP has received the lawsuit documents.

Vanguard News

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