NANYUKI town residents have stopped
using water from the Nanyuki River after
chemicals were dumped in it on
Wednesday. They said the water turned
blue and they immediately alerted the
concerned authorities.
Officers from the National Environment
Management Authority, the Water
Resources Management Authority and
public health officers have warned
residents against using the water until
the chemicals are analysed. A bag
containing two types of chemicals was
retrieved from the riverbank at the
Sportsman’s Arms Hotel bridge. Nanyuki
River Water Users Association chairman
David Njoroge said the pollution was
noticed by people who wash vehicles near
the river.
Dominic Kibaya, an officer from Warma,
and Joel Mbugua from the public health
department said samples of the substance
and the water have been taken to the
government chemist for testing and
analysis. Mbugua said his officers poured
chlorine in the river to dilute the
chemicals which may turn out to be
poisonous.
The officers said the water is dangerous
as it has changed its colour. “The
substances are orange and dark blue in
colour. Because we have not known what
they contain, it is advisable for people
living downstream and their livestock to
refrain from using the water” Kibaya said.
The river serves thousands of residents
and livestock downstream in Mukima, Jua
kali, Kimugandura and other areas.