298 Kenyans Sue BP, Government Over Cancer-Linked Oil Waste

A group of 298 people from remote villages in Marsabit County, northern Kenya, have filed a lawsuit against BP and the Kenyan government over waste from oil exploration in the 1980s that they say caused a cancer cluster leading to hundreds of deaths.

According to residents and local health workers, cancer cases and deaths have risen steadily, with over 500 people dying from gastrointestinal cancers, particularly of the esophagus and stomach. Many victims lived in villages with limited access to healthcare.

Residents believe the toxic waste left behind by oil exploration in the 1980s is to blame. Between 1986 and 1989, U.S. oil company Amoco—later acquired by BP—drilled exploration wells around the Chalbi Desert in search of oil. International crews worked there, found no viable deposits, and left. But locals say the company left behind more than empty wells.

At old drill sites, visible traces remain: a rusted iron pipe labeled “Amoco Kenya” and patches of white powder scattered on the ground. Some residents say they mistook the powder for salt and used it to season food.

Worowa Bayo, who worked at one of the drill sites, described how waste was handled: “Workers dug large pits and dumped everything into them—even leftover food. This often happened at night. By morning, there was a strong foul smell, and the area was covered up.” He also recalled an incident in 2002 when thousands of livestock died after drinking water from a borehole. Authorities sealed the area and took samples, but residents say they were never informed of the results.

Subsequent independent tests suggested possible contamination of local water sources, including the presence of heavy metals. Scientists have not established a clear causal link between pollution and cancer, mainly due to a lack of long-term studies.

Local medical records from the early 2000s show that the cancer rate in the Kargi area has been abnormally high. The only health facility in Kargi—serving about 6,000 people—is now non-operational. Nurse Assunta Galgitele, who began treating cancer patients in the mid-2000s, said: “We want to understand what is causing this disease. Why has there been so little response? And we want those responsible to explain what happened here.”

The case is being heard at the Environment and Land Court in Isiolo. The plaintiffs are demanding a comprehensive environmental assessment, access to clean water, and compensation for affected families and livestock losses. Lawyer Kelvin Kubai, representing the plaintiffs, called it “environmental genocide.” He said: “Given the number of people we have lost, this case has been silenced for years. Urgent measures are needed.”

BP declined an interview request from Al Jazeera and has not publicly responded to the allegations, though its legal team has appeared in court. Human rights activist Margaret Super said the community has spent years seeking attention: “This is the first time we feel we are truly being heard.”

The case could take years. Meanwhile, in Kargi, new cases continue to emerge. Maisan Chamuset, 74, diagnosed with throat cancer six years ago, now communicates through a small tube in his throat. His wife died of stomach cancer in 2018. “Everyone here has the same problem,” he said. “Many have died—women, men, young people. Those responsible should be brought to justice.”